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With Spring In Bloom, Here's How To Navigate Allergies
A Rutgers Health expert provides medical insight and advice on breathing easier this seasonIf you find yourself wheezing and sneezing now that spring is here, you're in good company. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about one in four adults and nearly one in five children experience seasonal allergies.
Catherine Monteleone, a professor and director of allergy and immunology at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, provides guidance on managing this allergy season.
Mike Lucas, Senior Public Relations Specialist, R-Comm
What is expected for this year's allergy season?
This year, the start of the spring pollen season should be average as we are still experiencing a rainfall deficit despite recent rains. However, no exact prediction can be made for the entire season until we see conditions during the next few months. For example, dry, windy days will spread more pollen. Even an average pollen season can have days to weeks with very high pollen levels.
Early spring allergies are primarily due to tree pollen, which is small and easily spread by wind, while late spring allergies are due to grass pollen. Fall allergies are due to ragweed and other weeds. Mold spores also add to outdoor allergies.
Air pollution and global warming are worsening allergies by prolonging growing seasons and increasing the amount of pollen produced by plants.
How can we tell the difference between a seasonal allergy and a cold?
Symptoms that are recurrent during allergy season each year or last longer than 10 days are typically due to allergies, not colds. An itchy nose, itchy, watery eyes and clear nasal discharge are more indicative of allergies. This is especially true if symptoms emerge following time spent outdoors, particularly on windy days. Symptoms typically include itchy, watery eyes, sneezing, a runny nose, nasal stuffiness, postnasal drip and sinus pressure.
What might make an allergy worse?
Not only can allergies cause stress and poor sleep, but there is some evidence that stress may worsen allergies.
The pollen count is higher on warm, breezy days. Limit outdoor activity on these days and during peak pollen times, usually early in the morning and at dusk.
Catherine Monteleone
Director of Allergy and Immunology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
What are some tips for managing seasonal allergies?
The pollen count is higher on warm, breezy days. Limit outdoor activity on these days and during peak pollen times, usually early in the morning and at dusk. If you have been diagnosed with seasonal allergies in the past, start your medications early in the season to avoid symptoms worsening after several days of exposure.
At home, keep your windows shut and use your air conditioning or a HEPA purifier to filter allergens. To remove pollen after being outdoors, shower immediately when home and change your clothes. Use an over-the-counter saline nasal spray or rinse to clear pollen from your nasal passages and throat area.
Outdoors, wear sunglasses and add a mask if you're doing yard work. Keep your car windows closed while driving.
When should you consult a doctor for allergies?
See your primary care physician or an allergist if symptoms continue despite using typical over-the-counter antihistamines or if you are wheezing or have shortness of breath.
Who should consider allergy shots?
Allergy shots should be considered if medications are not effective or cannot be used for other medical reasons. Allergy shots are typically given for three to five years.
Tips For Coping With An Allergy Season That's Shaping Up To Be Long And Intense
Allergy season is starting earlier this year thanks to an unseasonably warm March, says a Loyola Medicine allergist.
Allergy season typically begins in April and lasts until around October, or the first hard freeze. Tree pollen usually arrives first in April. Grass pollen picks up in May and June and weed pollen is most prevalent in July and August.
Dr. Rachna Shah tracks the pollen levels in the Chicago area.
"The tree pollen is starting out with a bang this season," said Shah, who leads the Loyola Medicine Allergy Count.
Though it's normal for some tree pollen to start circulating in March, Shah's recent measurements show the levels are much higher than usual. And she's already had patients coming in with allergy symptoms, which can include itchy and watery eyes, runny nose, sneezing, nasal congestion and post-nasal drip.
"That's unusual this time of year," she said. "My prediction is this is going to be a very long spring season. With tree pollen starting really strong, and given these dramatic swings in outside temperatures, it might linger when grass season kicks in."
During the season, Shah gathers samples of the allergens in the air every weekday morning from the roof of Gottlieb Memorial Hospital in Melrose Park. Loyola's allergy count, which can be found at loyolamedicine.Org/allergy-count or on social media, provides daily numbers for mold, tree, grass and weed pollens. The official count resumes April 1.
Experts say climate change has led to more intense allergy seasons that start earlier and last longer.
Some of the most common tree pollens that cause allergies include birch, cedar, cottonwood, maple, elm, oak and walnut, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Grasses that cause symptoms include Bermuda, Johnson, rye and Kentucky bluegrass. Ragweed is a big culprit during the later part of allergy season.
When pollen levels are high, Shah recommends that people with severe allergies do their best to stay indoors. But because that's not always an option, she says people should avoid going out until later in the morning because the pollen count tends to be highest before 10 a.M.
"If you engage in outdoor activities for more than a couple of hours, it can be very helpful to come inside, rinse off and change clothes," she added.
Other tips for managing allergies include:
Dr. Nandi Shares How To Get Ahead Of Allergy Season This Spring
Prev NextAllergy season is starting earlier and lasting longer, leaving millions of Americans dealing with sneezing, congestion and itchy eyes.
(WXYZ) — Allergy season is starting earlier and lasting longer, leaving millions of Americans dealing with sneezing, congestion and itchy eyes.
Experts say climate change is making things worse. To beat allergy season, starting early is key. If you take allergy medications, don't wait until symptoms hit; start them at least two to four weeks before allergy season begins to give them time to work.
Now, there are different types of medicines to treat allergy symptoms, and many are available over the counter. They come in pills, liquids, inhalers, nasal sprays, eye drops, skin creams and even shots.
Antihistamines and corticosteroids are among the most popular treatments. Antihistamines block histamine, a chemical your body releases during an allergic reaction. They come in nasal sprays to help with sneezing, runny noses, sinus congestion and postnasal drip. You can also use eye drops to relieve itchy, red and swollen eyes. Oral antihistamines come in pill or liquid form and can help ease many symptoms, too.
Corticosteroids are also highly effective. They reduce inflammation caused by allergies. Corticosteroid nasal sprays are great for preventing and easing nasal allergy symptoms. You can also use corticosteroid eye drops for itchy, red or watery eyes, but you'll need to see a doctor for these due to risks like cataracts, glaucoma and infection. For severe symptoms, oral corticosteroids may be prescribed. However, they can cause side effects like high blood pressure, osteoporosis and stomach ulcers.
Other common treatments include decongestants, leukotriene inhibitors and nasal saline rinses. Keep in mind, some medications can make you drowsy, so it's best to take them before bed.
If you find over-the-counter medications aren't helping, talk to your doctor or an allergist. There are stronger prescription options. Also if you're looking for long-term relief, allergy shots can help train your immune system to react less.
Besides medication, you can also try these tips:
With the right approach, you can get ahead of allergy season and breathe a little easier.
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