What's Going Around - Spring Allergies

Ah, spring.  The sun shines, the birds chirp, and people everywhere sneeze and cough from allergies.  Spring is usually the time when people with allergies suffer the most.   You can expect a “pollen explosion” this month, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.  Allergists predict “a robust pollen season” so people need to have a treatment plan ready.

What are allergies?

Allergies are caused when the immune system mistakes a usually harmless substance for something dangerous.  The body then produces antibodies which are on alert for this allergen.  When a person is exposed to this allergen in the future, the body produces chemicals, such as histamine, that cause allergy symptoms. 

How can you distinguish allergies from a cold?

Allergies and colds have similar symptoms. You can have a runny nose, a cough and congestion.  However, they differ in three respects:  a fever is common with a cold, but not in those suffering with allergies.  Allergy sufferers frequently have itchy eyes, nose, throat, and even the roof of the mouth, but itchiness is not common with colds.  Another distinguishing characteristic between colds and allergies is the duration of symptoms.  While a cold generally lasts for three to seven days, allergy symptoms can last an entire season.

In general, what are most people allergic to?

Springtime allergies are most often due to tree pollen and in more humid climates, outdoor mold.  Grass pollen is a big cause for summer allergies, and weed pollen causes fall allergies.

What is the best treatment for allergies?

Over-the-counter antihistamines can be tried for relief, initially.  Your health care provider or doctors at Patient First should be consulted if you fail to respond to the use of over-the-counter treatments.

What other steps can be taken to reduce allergy symptoms?

Allergy symptoms may be reduced by changing household chores or adjusting your routine.  Some ideas include:

· Stay indoors on dry, windy days. 

· The best time to go outside is after a rain, which helps clear pollen from the air.

· Delegate lawn mowing, weed pulling and other gardening chores that stir up allergies.

· After spending time outside, take a shower to rinse pollen from your skin and hair and put on clean clothes.

· Wear a face mask if you do outside chores.

· Start taking over-the-counter antihistamines when high pollen counts are forecast even before your symptoms start.

· Use air conditioning in your house or car.

· Use high-efficiency air filters and change them frequently.

· Keep indoor air dry with a dehumidifier. Clean floors frequently with a vacuum cleaner.