ALLERGY AWARENESS

It’s that time of year again when many of us are experiencing the symptoms of allergies. The month of May is designated by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America to be a national month of awareness about allergies and asthma. Allergies are diseases of the immune system that cause an overreaction to substances called “allergens.” They are typically grouped by the kind of trigger, time of year, or where symptoms appear on the body, such as indoor and outdoor allergies (seasonal), food allergies, insect allergies, skin allergies, etc.

This week’s blog will focus on outdoor allergies since they tend to peak this time of year. Outdoor allergies occur when allergens (such as tree, grass, weed pollen and mold spores) are inhaled and cause allergic reactions.

Both genes and environmental factors play a role in allergies. Sometimes allergic reactions appear with the first exposure to an allergen. Other times it may take 3 or 4 years for the reaction to show up. It is also possible to develop allergies over time and with age.

The immune system normally protects the body against harmful substances, such as bacteria and viruses. But in a person with allergies, it is oversensitive. When it recognizes an allergen, it releases chemicals (such as histamines) to fight off the allergen, which causes allergy symptoms.

Which symptoms you experience depends on which part of the body the allergen touches. Most outdoor allergies cause a stuffy nose, itchy nose and throat, mucus production, cough, sneezing, or wheezing.

Signs and Tests

Some people have mild symptoms that are easy to live with. Others experience severe symptoms that disturb daily routines and living. In these cases, it is a good idea to talk with your doctor about the cause of your allergies and possible treatment options.

Your doctor will likely do a physical exam and ask questions, such as when you get the allergy. Allergy testing may be needed to find out whether the symptoms are from an allergy, or some other cause. Skin testing is the most common. One type of skin testing is the prick test. It involves placing a small amount of allergen on the skin, and then slightly pricking the area so it moves under the skin. The skin is then closely watched for a reaction, like swelling and redness. Other skin tests include patch testing and intradermal testing. See allergy testing for more information.

Treatment

The best way to reduce allergy symptoms is to avoid what causes them. For example, if you are allergic to grass, avoid cutting your own grass or being outside when your neighbor is mowing.

There are several types of medication to prevent and treat allergies:

·  Antihistamines – available over-the-counter and by prescription

·  Corticosteroids – anti-inflammatory

·  Decongestants – help relieve a stuffy nose

·  Allergy shots – are sometimes recommended if you cannot avoid the allergen and your symptoms are hard to control. Allergy shots keep your body from overreacting.

Prevention

Shut out pollen. If you notice a film of pollen on your windows at home, keep windows and doors closed to prevent pollen from entering your home. Use an air filter and clean it regularly or run the air conditioner and change the filter often.

Outside. There are certain times during the year when plants and trees release pollen into the air. The timing of these pollen seasons depends on your geographic location. Different regions have different types of plants that pollinate at different times. Depending on where you live, allergy seasons may be mild or severe. Remember that the types of pollen that most commonly cause allergy symptoms are from plain-looking plants, such as trees, grasses, and weeds. Check out your local pollen count. 

Traveling. A few tips to help you avoid outdoor allergies when you are traveling to a place where the pollen count is high:

·  Stay inside between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm (peak pollen times)

·  Keep your car windows closed when traveling

·  Shower after spending time outside to wash away pollen that collects on your skin and hair

Once allergies have developed, treating the allergies and carefully avoiding allergy triggers can prevent reactions in the future. We hope that you will work with your doctor to effectively manage your allergies and practice prevention methods so that you may enjoy a delightful spring season!