One of five Americans suffers from seasonal allergies caused by pollens and molds. Such allergies actually occur as the result of a mistake by the body’s immune system that erroneously identifies a harmless substance such as pollen as a dangerous invader.
When we breathe in pollens and molds the immune system of allergic individuals activates antibodies, known as IgEs. IgE antibodies then lock onto mast cells signaling them to release histamines. It’s the release of histamines that causes the sneezing, runny noses, watery eyes and itchiness associated with seasonal allergies.
Allergy season kicks off in the spring with the release of tree pollens, followed shortly thereafter by grass pollens that carry through into the summer. Weeds pick up the pace into the fall with the grand finale executed by ragweed pollens in September and October. It’s not until winter hits and plants go dormant that those who suffer from plant allergies can breathe freely again.
If your symptoms are seasonal and occur with exposure to certain plants and trees on high pollen count days, a simple first step is to try to avoid the allergen as much as possible. If you suffer from allergies year round, you may be allergic to animal dander, dust mites or chemicals found in the home or workplace and should get a diagnosis from your doctor.
To minimize your contact with pollens there are a number of steps you can take.
- Listen to your local weather report during allergy season or call or log onto the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (1-800-9POLLEN or www.aaaai.org) to check the pollen count for the day.
- Try to avoid being outside between 6 and 10 a.m. and at dusk when pollen counts are most likely to be high.
- Pollen counts are higher on dry, windy days. Plan outdoor activities such as exercise on still days and after rain. Better still, run or walk on a treadmill or on an indoor track.
- Stay indoors when possible and use an air conditioner in your home, car and workplace.
- Install a HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filter on your furnace, air conditioner and air filter system.
- If you’re working outdoors, wear a hat and sunglasses to prevent pollen collecting on your hair and skin.
- Avoid rubbing your eyes with your hands.
- Try to have a non-allergic family member mow the grass or hire someone to do it.
- Take off clothes worn for yard work when you come inside and have a shower.
- Avoid hanging laundry on the line where it can collect pollen.
Medications Offer Relief
As well as lifestyle measures there are a number of over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medications that can relieve allergy symptoms.
If your symptoms are relatively mild and you get relief with occasional use of OTC drugs, that may be all you need. If you have more serious and persistent symptoms, you should make an appointment with your physician who can best advise you about OTC and prescription drugs.
If you’re going to be using allergy medication for an extended period it’s important to identify the specific allergen and symptoms to be treated.
Nipping symptoms in the bud is a key concern as 20 percent of persons with allergies go on to develop asthma, a serious respiratory condition. Medication can be tailored to treat specific symptoms.
Oral antihistamines are available either OTC or by prescription. As their name suggests, they counter the action of histamines produced by the body during an allergic reaction. Older antihistamines such as Benadryl can cause drowsiness. Newer drugs such as Claritin, Clarinex and Allegra are effective with fewer unwanted side effects.
Decongestants that help relieve stuffiness are sometimes used in combination with antihistamines. Allegra-D is available by prescription and contains both an antihistamine and a decongestant. Claritin-D and Zyrtec-D have long-lasting decongestant
action.
Decongestants shouldn’t be used by people with high blood pressure or heart disease unless they are prescribed and supervised by a doctor. Even though some decongestants do not require a prescription, some may be kept behind the counter. Ask your pharmacist for help with choosing a decongestant.
Nasal corticosteroids are effective in opening up blocked nasal passages. They are used by inhaling or spraying into the nose. Rhinocort, Flonase and Nasonex all belong to this group of drugs. These are all prescription drugs and should be used according to your doctor’s instructions.
Immunotherapy. Some people with persistent allergies may opt for a more permanent solution. Immunotherapy begins with identification of specific allergens, followed by a prolonged course of injections of the allergen so your body will develop an immunity to it. The shots typically are given twice a week for the first few months and then monthly for up to five years. Within a year of starting the shots, about 80 percent of people begin to notice a significant decrease in symptoms.
The shots are obviously expensive because of the number of office visits involved and require a significant commitment from the patient. Patients also need to be carefully selected. In order for the shots to be effective the patient must have a specific response to the allergen. Allergy shots are used for only certain pollen allergies such as birch, grass and ragweed.
So when the pollens begin to waft in on warm spring winds, be ready to defend yourself with a little knowledge and perhaps a few medications. By making a few lifestyle changes and consulting with your physician about the most effective drugs to keep your symptoms in check, you’ll be able to revel in the joys of spring this year.
Updated 12/2007 MCH
