The summer allergy season is upon us. People who suffer from seasonal allergies experience allergic symptoms during the warm summer months when pollens are flying. Miserable seasonal allergy symptoms can be caused by grass pollen, tree pollen, rag weed, goldenrod and just about anything else that releases pollen into the atmosphere. In addition to the airborne pollens, allergies can be aggravated by mold spores, dust particles, pet dander and cleaning chemicals.
Exposure to multiple allergens can aggravate allergic symptoms even more. Sometimes a person could tolerate one allergen, but when they are hit by two or more allergens the system may become overloaded, according to Dr. Rachel Miller, the Director of the Emergency Department New York Presbyterian Hospital/The Allen Pavilion, reports Medical News Today (medicalnewstoday.com). Exposure to dust, pet dander, and other indoor pollutants can worsen the severity of spring and summer allergies, essentially adding fuel to the fire.
Allergy symptoms may come in the spring, summer, fall, or anytime of the year. It depends on what the allergy sufferer is allergic to.
Allergy sufferers are familiar to the symptoms. Airborne allergies usually cause symptoms such as itchy watery eyes, sneezing, sniffles, headaches and skin rashes.
According to Dr. William Reisacher, an otohinolaryngologist (ear, nose and throat specialist) at New York Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center, says allergies can trigger or worsen asthma and other respiratory illnesses. reports Medical news Today (medicalnewstoday)
The following suggestions were made by Dr. Miller and Dr. Reisacher to help allergy sufferers get through the allergy season>
1. You may reduce symptoms by staying in air conditioned area with the windows closed Be aware that symptoms will flare up the moment you go outside. Once the symptoms flare up they will stay with you for the rest of the day.
2. Window air conditioners can filter out large airborne pollen articles. People with pollen allergies are recommended to run the air conditioner as much as possible during warm weather. Keep the air conditioner clean. If there is a filter, change it regularly.
3. Over the counter antihistamines will help to relieve mild symptoms for a few hours. Caution is needed, as antihistamines can cause drowsiness. Driving and operating heavy machinery should be avoided
4. If more relief is needed, a antihistamine combined with a decongestant can relieve symptoms Read the package for health warning. People with chronic medical conditions should consult a physician.
5. If you are concerned about symptoms, consult a physician. A physician may help identify sensitivities. A physician may recommend of prescribe prescriptions drugs, nasal sprays, eye drops, non-sedating antihistamines or allergy shots.
According the Mayo Clinic Website, allergy treatment usually begins with avoiding the allergens that cause symptoms. It’s difficult to always avoid allergens, especially when they are in the air you breath. A physician can help find the right medication, or combination of medications to treat the symptoms. Allergy medications are available in pill, liquid, nasal spray, eye drops and topical forms. Some medication are available over the counter and some require a doctor’s prescription.
The main types of allergy medication are corticosteroids, antihistamines, decongestants and mast cell stabilizers.
Allergic reactions can rang from mild to severe. In the case of anaphylactic shock, which is a sudden life-threatening allergic reaction, an allergic reaction can be deadly. Even mild symptoms can be miserable for the allergy sufferer.
Attempting to avoid allergens that cause reactions can go a long way to reducing symptoms,. If avoiding the allergen isn’t effective, talk to a physician abut appropriate medications and treatment.
Information in this article is informational only. The information in this article is not intended as medical advice. If you have a medical condition, consult your doctor.
Reference:
- htp://www.mayoclinic.com
