Seasonal Allergies Sever This Year: BIDHC Chestnut Hill doctor offers helpful tips as allergy season extends into June

Spring has finally arrived and for most of us that's a big relief, especially because of the cold, gray, snowy winter we endured. For many others, however, this renewal of life also means the return of sneezing, coughing, wheezing, itching and other annoying symptoms of spring allergies. And because of the precipitation-heavy winter we experienced, experts are predicting a particularly severe spring pollen season.

According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), one in four Americans suffers from allergies.  But if you’re one of the millions suffering from seasonal allergies, take heart: there are things you can do to reduce your symptoms.

“Seasonal allergies appear when the weather grows warmer,” says Mark Krivopal, MD, primary care physician with Beth Israel Deaconess HealthCare-Chestnut Hill/The Street. “Most springtime allergies are caused by grasses and tree pollen. The most allergenic trees -- such as oak, birch, and maple produce small pollen that is easily carried by wind for miles.”

During the months of late March, April and May, is when allergies appear. However, allergies were delayed this year due to the harsh winter and are predicted to extend into June.

According to Dr. Krivopal, allergies are at their worst in dry times, when the airborne pollen spreads with the wind. Tiny pollen particles that have become airborne travel long distances, explains Dr. Krivopal. “Pollen is perceived as foreign substance to our body which our body’s immune system fights. This foreign substance triggers a major reaction within our body leading to release of histamine, that causes a running nose, swelling and itchy eyes, and coughing.”

Although seasonal allergies may occur in anyone, it is more common in middle school and high school students as well as those who move from one geographical location to another, Dr. Krivopal points out.

Typical symptoms of springtime allergies include:

·         Watery, swelling, itchy eyes

·         Stuffy or runny nose

·         Sneezing and/or coughing

Unfortunately, most people who have seasonal allergies are affected by all of the above symptoms.

Dr. Krivopal advises seeing your physician when you are experiencing these symptoms. Most of the time you will be diagnosed by symptoms alone and can find relief in over-the-counter antihistamines.

“Antihistamines do not cure allergies but help you throughout the day by alleviating your symptoms,” says Dr. Krivopal.

If antihistamines do not help, other testing may be necessary. One is skin testing, where dozens of allergens can be applied to your skin causing the skin to react to whatever specific allergies you may be affected by. Allergy shots can be an effective alternative. By getting shots regularly some people are able to eliminate the need for allergy medication altogether. Not as common is a blood test, which looks for foreign antibodies. Other treatment options include nasal sprays and antihistamine eye drops.

Dr. Krivopal also recommends these other tips to help lessen your allergy misery:

·         Wear sunglasses and a brimmed hat

·         Keep the windows closed at home; use the air conditioning in your house and car

·         Avoid the outdoors at midday to afternoon when pollen levels are at their highest

·         Change your outdoor clothing before going in the bedroom

·         Shower and wash your hair before turning in for the night

Dr. Krivopal is located at Beth Israel Deaconess Healthcare-Chestnut Hill/The Street, 25 Boylston St., # 204, Chestnut Hill, MA. Call 617-754-0400 or visitwww.bidmc.org/pcpchestnuthill.