Dr. Damask: Managing Springtime Allergies

Springtime Allergies: A Problem in Full Bloom

An allergy is a genetic condition that causes the body to respond to harmless substances in the environment as though they were dangerous invaders. This response produces symptoms that may be mild to life-threatening in susceptible people.

Allergy symptoms start after a person with allergic tendencies is repeatedly exposed to the substance in his/her environment or diet. When the allergic person comes into contact with the offending substance, the body’s immune system rushes to the rescue and begins to produce antibodies to fight off the invader. These antibodies alter the way the body reacts and may produce allergic symptoms. Anything to which a person becomes allergic is an allergen. Prime examples are ragweed and other pollens. Others are dust, mold spores, animal dander, feathers, cereal grains and some airborne chemical pollutants.

What you can do relieve springtime allergies

For most people, spring means flower buds and blooming trees. However, for the millions of Americans who have seasonal allergies, it also means sneezing, congestion, runny nose, sinus headache, watery eyes and itching. In the early spring, the major culprit is wind-borne pollen from trees. In late spring, grasses start to cause problems. The worst allergy symptoms occur during the hot, dry or windy days when there are a lot of pollen and mold spores in the air.

You can’t completely avoid seasonal allergens, but you can reduce your symptoms and minimize your exposure with these simple tips:

• Close doors and windows when pollen counts are high.
• Use air conditioning in your house and car. Air conditioning cleans, cools and dries the air.
• Avoid outdoor activity in the early morning when pollen counts are highest.
• Use a dehumidifier to reduce indoor humidity.
• Delegate lawn mowing, weed pulling and other gardening chores that stir up pollens and other molds. If you do outside chores, wear a dust mask.

Spring cleaning

• Spring cleaning is good for reducing allergens.
• Use allergy-proof covers on mattresses, box springs and pillows.
• Wash sheets and blankets in water heated to at least 130 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Vacuum carpets weekly with a vacuum cleaner equipped with a small-particle or HEPA filter.
• Consider removing carpeting, especially where you sleep, if you’re highly sensitive to dust mites.
• Think twice about letting your pet sleep on your bed or on your couch; pollen clings to pet fur.

Other options:

Medications: Drug treatment has long been a cornerstone of allergy management. Antihistamines and/or decongestants (for the nose) and bronchodilators (for asthma) counteract the symptoms caused by chemicals released by the body’s immune system during an allergy flare up. There are other drugs, both pills and nasal sprays that can prevent the release of these inflammatory chemicals.

Allergen immunotherapy: Immunotherapy, also known as desensitization, can be delivered via allergy shots or drops under the tongue. Patients typically report fewer clinic visits and hospitalizations, as well as less time lost from work and school, after sticking to their immunotherapy treatment consistently.

Immunotherapy can be administered in a physician’s office once a week via injection or can be administered daily in a patient’s home via allergy drops under the tongue. Allergy drop treatment works similar to shots by delivering a slowly increasing dose of physician-prescribed antigen that over time builds the body’s tolerance. You can take allergy drops at home or wherever you need to be, making it much easier for patients to stick with their treatment consistently.

Dr. Cecelia Damask is a board-certified otolaryngologist, a physician who practices the medical management of diseases of the ears, nose and throat. Her specialty is the treatment of allergies. Visit lakemaryallergy.com for more information.