All about Spring seasonal allergies
- 1. Spring is the time of year that we normally think of when it comes to seasonal allergies. As the trees start to bloom and the pollen gets airborne, allergy sufferers begin their annual ritual of sniffling and sneezing. Each year, 40-‐50 million Americans fall prey to seasonal allergic rhinitis, more commonly known as hay fever. Allergic disorders affect an estimated 1 in 5 adults and children and are the sixth leading cause of chronic illness in the United States, according to the Allergy Report from the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAI). Although there is no magical cure for spring allergies, there are a number of ways to combat them, from medication to household habits. What causes spring allergies? The biggest spring allergy trigger is pollen -‐-‐ tiny grains released into the air by trees, grasses, and weeds for the purpose of fertilizing other plants. When pollen grains get into the nose of someone who’s allergic, they send the immune system into overdrive. The immune system, mistakenly seeing the pollen as foreign invaders, releases antibodies -‐-‐ substances that normally identify and attack bacteria, viruses, and other illness-‐causing organisms. The antibodies attack the allergens, which leads to the release of chemicals called histamines into the blood. Histamines trigger the runny nose, itchy eyes, and other symptoms of allergies. Pollen can travel for miles, spreading a path of misery for allergy sufferers along the way. The higher the pollen count, the greater the misery. The pollen count measures the amount of allergens in the air in grains per cubic meter. You can find out the daily pollen count in your area by watching your local weather forecast or by visiting the NAB: Pollen & Mold Counts page on the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology’s web site. Among the most common allergy triggers, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, are: • Tree, grass, and weed pollen • Mold spores • Dust mite and cockroach allergens • Cat, dog, and rodent dander
- 2. Allergy symptoms tend to be particularly high on breezy days when the wind picks up pollen and carries it through the air. Rainy days, on the other hand, cause a drop in the pollen counts because the rain washes away the allergens. What are the symptoms of spring allergies? The symptoms of spring allergies include: • Runny nose • Watery eyes • Sneezing • Coughing • Itchy eyes and nose • Dark circles under the eyes Airborne allergens also can trigger asthma, a condition in which the airways narrow, making breathing difficult and leading to coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. How are spring allergies diagnosed? If you’ve never been formally diagnosed with spring allergies but you notice that your eyes and nose are itchy and runny during the spring months, see your doctor. Your doctor may refer you to an allergist for tests. The allergy specialist may do a skin test, which involves injecting a tiny sample of a diluted allergen just under the skin of your arm or back. If you’re allergic to the substance, a small red bump (called a wheal or hive) will form. Another diagnostic option is the radioallergosorbent test or RAST. RAST is a blood test that detects antibody levels to a particular allergen. Just because you are sensitive to a particular allergen on a test, though, doesn’t mean that you’ll necessarily start sneezing and coughing when you come into contact with it.
- 3. Can allergies be cured? Many with allergies tend to suffer in silence. If you do, you should understand that you don't need to grin and bear it. While there is no cure for allergies, with proper management this condition can be effectively controlled. Making changes in your environment can greatly limit your exposure to certain allergens and reduce your symptoms. Medications that are safe and effective can be prescribed. Allergen immunotherapy is also an option for reducing symptoms and medication reliance on a long-‐term basis. Treat Allergies Early Spring pollen season starts much earlier than many people think. In large swaths of the country, including the eastern seaboard and the Ohio Valley, pollen starts filling the air as soon as the weather warms up just enough for the trees to begin budding. As long as you're not in the Snow Belt up around the Great Lakes, the pollen season starts very early, and by mid-‐March we'll have our first peak. This means that if you take medications to control your seasonal allergies, the time to start them is mid-‐ to late-‐ February, not late March. "Allergies create an inflammatory response that is like a smoldering fire. If you can keep it smoldering rather than flaring, you'll do a lot better.” By starting your medications early, you're less likely to have a snowball effect with your symptoms. Reduce your exposure to allergy triggers To reduce your exposure to the things that triggers your allergy signs and symptoms (allergens): • Stay indoors on dry, windy days — the best time to go outside is after a good rain, which helps clear pollen from the air. • Delegate lawn mowing, weed pulling and other gardening chores that stir up allergens. • Remove clothes you've worn outside; you may also want to shower to rinse pollen from your skin and hair. • Don't hang laundry outside — pollen can stick to sheets and towels. • Wear a dust mask if you do outside chores. Take extra steps when pollen counts are high
- 4. Seasonal allergy signs and symptoms can flare up when there's a lot of pollen in the air. These steps can help you reduce your exposure: • Check your local TV or radio station, your local newspaper, or the Internet for pollen forecasts and current pollen levels. • If high pollen counts are forecasted, start taking allergy medications before your symptoms start. • Close doors and windows at night or any other time when pollen counts are high. • Avoid outdoor activity in the early morning when pollen counts are highest. Keep indoor air clean There's no miracle product that can eliminate all allergens from the air in your home, but these suggestions may help: • Use the air conditioning in your house and car. • If you have forced air heating or air conditioning in your house, use high-‐ efficiency filters and follow regular maintenance schedules. • Keep indoor air dry with a dehumidifier. • Use a portable high-‐efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter in your bedroom. • Clean floors often with a vacuum cleaner that has a HEPA filter. Resources: WebMD Mayo Clinic Cleveland Clinic Helping Solution