Tis the Season for Allergies

Written by: Colusa Regional Medical Center

Sneezing, a runny nose, congestion, and watery eyes can mean only one thing.  It's allergy season.  While many people are out walking enjoying the beauty of spring flowers and new birth of leaves on the trees, seasonal-allergy sufferers are taking walks through the pharmacy looking for relief from sneezing and itchy eyes.

With the end of a wet season, our trees, grasses, and spring flowers are exceptionally healthy this year, and that means more pollen in the air. Many trees, grasses and weeds have pollens that are easily carried by the wind. Pollens are the tiny, egg-shaped male cells of flowering plants. These large, waxy pollens are carried from plant to plant by bees and other insects.

The following may be signs or symptoms that you may be suffering from seasonal allergies also known as hay fever:

• You have red, watery or itchy eyes

• You sneeze a lot

• You have an itchy or stuffy nose

• You have a runny nose with clear drainage

Allergic Rhinitis, also known as hay fever is triggered by allergens, substances that initiate an allergic response, such as pollens or molds, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.  An allergy is the body's hypersensitivity to substances in the environment. Allergic reactions range from mild itching, sneezing or eczema (inflamed, itchy skin), to severe hives, hay fever, wheezing, and shortness of breath. An extreme allergic reaction can result in anaphylactic shock, a life-threatening situation in which a person's airway swells shut and blood pressure drops.   The body fights these and other invaders by producing an antibody called immunoglobulin E (IgE for short) in the intestines and lungs. IgE triggers immune cells to release a number of chemicals, one of which is histamine. Histamine produces the hives, watery eyes, sneezing, and itching. The more a person is exposed to allergens, the more the body produces IgE; hence, and allergies often get worse as we age.

Allergies can certainly be life-threatening, but for most of us they are merely annoying. Some people grow accustomed to the inconvenience and accept it as part of the changing seasons.  While others are more impaired and need medical care to deal with the allergy.  Since allergies can lead to other chronic conditions such as asthma, they should not be taken lightly. If seasonal allergy symptoms are making you miserable, you should speak to your doctor.  The doctor will begin by taking a detailed medical history. From that, he or she can establish a list of suspected allergens. To confirm the diagnosis or figure out puzzling allergy symptoms, the doctor may order a variety of different tests.  Once the causes and severity of your allergies are determined, the doctor can prescribe the correct medical treatment.

While there are many effective treatments for allergies, there are ways that we can minimize the effect they have on us.  Following are some tips to help you lessen your exposure to seasonal allergens:

1. Try to avoid the pollen and molds that cause sneezing, wheezing or other adverse effects.

2. Use an air purifier or an air conditioner and dehumidifier to keep air clean, cool, and dry.

3. Minimize outdoor activity on days when the pollen count or humidity is reported to be high or on windy days when mold and pollen are blown about.  You can find this information on the National Allergy Bureau Website www.aaaai.org/nab or your local news channel.

4. Install only wood, tile or vinyl floors in your home.  If you have carpets leave the house while vacuuming takes place.

5. Reduce clutter inside your home.  Objects collect dust, molds and pollens.

6. Keep your house and car windows closed to keep pollens and mold from drifting in.

7. Use a paper mask when gardening, mowing, raking or other activities that stir up pollens and molds.

8. Avoid hanging sheets or clothing out to dry, pollen and molds collect on them.

9. Take medications as prescribed in the recommended dosage. Do not take more medication to alleviate severe symptoms; it’s time to consult your physician.

10. Wash your clothing, and take a shower after spending time outdoors.

11. Mattress and pillow covers can provide a barrier between you and the dust mites in your bed.

If your symptoms persist consult your doctor.  With help and the right treatment you will be more prepared to deal with seasonal allergies and will enjoy better quality of life.

For more information on seasonal allergies or treatment for asthma contact Colusa Regional Medical Center Clinics.  In Williams, call 473-5641 or in Colusa call 458-5003.