Isn’t Allergy Season Already Gone?

I thought I had it made when I survived those “yellow” days of pollen blowing in the air a few weeks ago. Weeds, spores, grass or tree pollens, whatever they are, I’ve recently become a sneezing, itchy eyed, snotty mess. If you are suffering anything like me, it’s extremely frustrating.

An allergy is an exaggerated or abnormal reaction to something normally considered harmless, in this case that’d be those pollens flying in the air (or the allergen). Those reactions would include sneezing, coughing, wheezing, skin rash and itching. The most common allergens that irritate and trigger allergy symptoms include pollen (plant, tree, grass), molds and mildew, dust mites, animal dander, cockroaches, feathers, industrial chemicals, foods (shellfish, eggs, milk, corn, nuts), medications (aspirin, penicillin) and food additives and preservatives. Seasonal allergies are when symptoms are only experienced for a few weeks/months during the year. If you experience year-round allergy symptoms, you could have perennial allergies or allergies to environmental or food sources.

Figuring out exactly what you are allergic to can be as simple as knowing and paying attention to your environment and knowing what is setting off your symptoms. Getting an allergy skin test can be the most accurate way to find out what’s creating your misery; however that must be done through a doctor or allergist and will cost a little money.

Managing these seasonal allergies is why I’m researching and writing this article this week, for my own good! Spring/Summer allergy relief can be controlled through the use of over-the-counter medications. Start by taking a non-sedating antihistamine, such as generic Claritin or Zyrtec, every morning. If your nose remains congested, add a saline nasal rinse or oral decongestant (if you don’t have high blood pressure). You can also use a long-acting decongestant nose spray for a few days, if necessary. If these treatments don’t clear your nasal congestion, then ask your doctor about adding a corticosteroid nose spray. You can also use lozenges to soothe the sore throat that is caused by postnasal drip and antihistamine eye-drops for the itchy, watery eyes.

Because inflammation is a key factor in allergies and allergy symptoms, inhaled nasal steroids are the most effective medications to give allergy relief. These prescription allergy relief medications help to prevent or reduce inflammation in the nasal passages and sinuses when exposed to allergens. An interesting fact, these nasal steroids do not provide immediate relief from allergy symptoms, you will get relief within one to two weeks given that the nasal medication is used consistently and properly. What about these antihistamines becoming addictive? Getting “hooked” on antihistamines, either over-the-counter or prescription, is not the biggest concern. Building up a tolerance to them is more of the issue. Your body and the lining of your nasal passages will become dependent on the medication you are using and the medication will lose its power. The solution is that when your symptoms come back, switch to a different brand or type of allergy medication for a while until you get through the season.

Try to avoid your triggers all together by keeping your windows closed, shower after spending time outside, and wash your bedding and your clothes as often as possible to rid them of troublesome allergens during the spring days. The trick to planting flowers, mowing the lawn and/or spending a long day outside is to not treat your allergy symptoms but to prevent them before they kick in. Pre-treat your allergies with an antihistamine about a half-hour before your day begins to avoid an allergy attack all together and to minimize your suffering and don’t get caught unprepared. Be sure to have “rescue” medications such as eye drops and decongestants on standby.

The best news of all is that “seasonal” is just that and we’ll all be able to breathe again soon! Good luck!

 

Deborah Holmes

July 8, 2008