Published: March 14, 2007 04:04 pm            

Spring allergies are nothing to sneeze at

Spring is in the air and pollen along with it. If the first warm days also mean the first runny nose and the first blooming buds mean the first red eyes, you may be one of the 36 million Americans who suffer with allergies.

The term allergy applies to an abnormal reaction by your immune system to a substance that is usually not harmful. Allergies come in a variety of forms and vary in severity from mildly bothersome to life-threatening. No one knows why some people develop them, but heredity seems to play a role in their development. Allergies may flare up and subside throughout your life

In children, 2 million school days are lost to allergies. The sleep deprivation associated with allergies also impairs learning and performance and the medications for allergies may lead to decreased understanding, sedation or hyperactivity. In adults, performance and alertness are affected in much the same way resulting in lost work days.

Allergies cannot be cured but the symptoms they cause can be treated and controlled. This may require making changes in your environment or behavior. The best treatment for allergic disease is to simply avoid the substance that is causing the reaction. However, that is not always possible. Medications including prescription, over the counter and injections often reduce the reactions in most patients significantly. Before using any over-the-counter drugs, make sure you discuss with your doctor how they may affect other medicines you may be taking.

In our area, most pollen related allergies are triggered by trees, grass and weeds in the spring and summer with mold spores being more predominant in the fall season.

These tips may help make your allergy season more bearable:

‰ Keep windows closed and use air conditioning if you're allergic to pollen. Don't use fans since they can stir up dust.

‰ Filter the air. Cover air conditioning vents with cheesecloth to filter pollen and use high efficiency particulate air filter. Clean air filters frequently and air ducts at least once a year.

‰ Keep the humidity in your house below 50% to prevent mold growth.

‰ When possible, choose hardwood floors instead of carpeting. If you must have carpeting, choose low-pile material.

‰ Wear a mask (such as an inexpensive painter's mask) when mowing the lawn if you are allergic to grass pollen or mold. Avoid mowing and being around freshly cut grass if possible.

‰ Wear a mask when gardening, as flowers and some weeds release pollen and can cause allergy symptoms.

‰ Avoid raking leaves or working with hay or mulch if you are allergic to mold.

‰ After being outdoors, take a shower, wash your hair, and change your clothes to remove pollen that may have collected in your clothes and hair.

Allergic disease and sinusitis are very common, and the treatments for them are very effective. So don't continue to suffer from them. Seek medical advice from your family physician.

        

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