| April showers bring spring allergies |
By: CHRIS GRAFF, Special to the News
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Posted: Tuesday, April 7, 2009 9:40 pm
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NORTHFIELD — Allergy season is fast approaching. However, allergies are something that can bother a person any time during the year.
We’re all familiar with the symptoms: runny nose; watery eyes; itchy nose, eyes and roof of mouth; sneezing, stuffy nose; pressure in the nose and cheeks; ear fullness and popping; dark circles under ones eyes; and, at times, even hives.
According to familydoctor.org, the most common allergens are pollen, mold, animal dander and dust.
• Pollen — Seasonal allergies that occur in the spring are often tied to tree pollen, while summer allergies are often caused by grass and weeds. Ragweed is often the culprit when someone suffers from fall allergies. Ragweed allergy sufferers can notice a lessening in their allergies after the first frost.
• Mold — This allergy is often worse during rainy or humid weather. However, mold can be a factor within a person’s house or apartment. Mold can be a problem anywhere water or moisture can collect, such as a shower curtain or damp basement.
• Animal Dander — Handling animals can expose allergy sufferers to animal dander as can merely entering a household with pets.
• Dust — There are many potential allergens in typical dust, including dust mites. Dust mites are tiny living creatures found in bedding, mattresses, carpeting and upholstered furniture.
One needn’t sit idly by while their symptoms wreak havoc on their bodies. According to familydoctor.org there are several options available to those suffering from allergies.
• Antihistamines — Help reduce the sneezing, runny nose and itchiness of allergies. They’re more useful if you use them before you’re exposed to allergens.
Some antihistamines can cause drowsiness and dry mouth. Others are less likely to cause these side effects, but some require a prescription. Ask your doctor which kind is best for you.
• Decongestants — Pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine temporarily relieve the stuffy nose of allergies. Decongestants are found in many medicines and come as pills, nose sprays and nose drops. They are best used only for a short time. Nose sprays and drops should’t be used for more than three days because they can cause dependancy.
Decongestants can be purchased over-the-counter, but can raise your blood pressure, so it’s a good idea to talk to your family doctor before using them.
• Cromolyn Sodium — A nasal spray that helps prevent the body’s reaction to allergens, cromolyn sodium is more helpful if used it before being exposed to allergens. This medicine may take two to four weeks to start working and is available without a prescription.
• Nasal Steroid Sprays — Reduce the reaction of the nasal tissues to inhaled allergens. This helps relieve the swelling in your nose so that you feel less stopped-up. They come in nasal sprays that your doctor may prescribe.
Your doctor may prescribe steroid pills for a short time or give you a steroid shot if your symptoms are severe or if other medicines aren’t working.
• Eye Drops — If your other medicines are not helping enough with itchy, watery eyes, your doctor may prescribe eye drops for you. |
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