Beating Your Springtime Allergies

You may have allergies if you spend much of the springtime sneezing. You probably are sensitive to one of the many allergens in the environment if your temperature remains normal but your sneezing and watery, itchy eyes linger for more than a week.

But what’s causing your symptoms? “There are two basic types of allergens,” says otolaryngologist Lawrence Weprin, M.D., who specializes in allergy treatment at the Ear, Nose and Throat Medical Centers in Dallas and Garland, Texas. Among the seasonal or “outdoor” allergens are plant pollen and molds and mildew that emerge during rainy spells. Among the perennial “indoor” allergens are dust mites and pet dander, which are present year round.
“You’d be surprised how many people believe they have allergies but never take the time to find out what type of problem they really have,” Dr. Weprin says. “Sometimes it’s not even an allergy; instead, we find a nasal obstruction, like a polyp or a deviated septum — and all the medicine in the world won’t make it better.”

A simple, inexpensive blood test will usually gauge a person’s reaction to common allergens.

Helpful steps to take

If you do have allergies, these steps will help you reduce your discomfort:

• Keep your home heating and cooling system clean. A monthly filter change is critical if you’re sensitive to dust. New electrostatic filters contain fibers that create a mild charge to attract dust particles more effectively than old-style paper filters.
• Try a duct-cleaning service. Hire a reliable company to clean dust mites, dust and dirt from your air duct system.
• Update your vacuum cleaner. Avoid sweepers with dust cups you empty by hand. Instead, look into the newer “closed system” models — some deposit dust directly into a water-filled canister.
• Avoid smoke and other irritating fumes — they can aggravate your allergies. Use spray colognes, hair spray and other aerosol products sparingly and ban smoking in your home.
• Limit alcohol consumption. Nasal passages swell and secrete more mucus when you’ve been drinking.
• Limit outdoor activities. During allergy season, be sure to avoid the flowers, trees and grasses that bother you. Have someone else do the yard work, and shower and wash your hair after being outdoors.
• Reduce mold exposure. Clean bathrooms frequently and run the exhaust fan during and after showering. Fix leaky faucets and invest in a dehumidifier if the basement or some other area of your house tends to be damp.
• Be proactive with pet allergies. Wash your hands after playing with a pet. Declare your bedroom strictly “off limits” to pets. Ask your veterinarian about anti allergenic pet shampoos. Consider getting rid of your pets, if necessary.
• Ask your doctor about medications. Americans spend more than $6 billion annually on allergy treatments. The newest prescription antihistamines are non-sedating and can be taken in low doses. So, if you’re still relying on an over-the-counter remedy that isn’t working — or makes you drowsy or uncomfortable — it’s time to see your doctor.

MEDICATIONS FOR ALLERGIES

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