Coping with Allergies
Spring is beautiful, but it's also a key time of year for seasonal allergies. As plants release pollen, millions of people with hay fever start to sniffle and sneeze.
Milder winters are continuing to affect spring allergies. Trees are able to pollinate earlier and for longer periods, extending the allergy season by several weeks.
There's no cure but you can take steps to curb springtime allergies, with medication and even improved household habits.
Causes
The biggest spring allergy trigger is pollen. Trees, grasses, and weeds release these tiny grains into the air to fertilize other plants. When they get into the nose of someone who’s allergic, they send the body's defenses haywire.
The immune system mistakenly sees the pollen as a danger and releases antibodies that attack the allergens. That leads to the release of chemicals called histamines into the blood. Histamines trigger the runny nose, itchy eyes, and other symptoms that are all too familiar if you have allergies.
Pollen can travel for miles, so it’s not just about the plants in your neighborhood.
Pollen counts tend to be particularly high on breezy days when the wind picks up these sneeze-inducing grains and carries them through the air. Rainy days, on the other hand, wash away the allergens.
Symptoms
You may have:
Coughing
Itchy eyes and nose
Dark circles under the eyes
Runny nose
Watery eyes
Sneezing
Tips to Keep Pollen at Bay
Try to stay indoors whenever the pollen count is very high. The counts usually peak in the mornings.
Keep your doors and windows closed during the spring months to keep allergens out. An air purifier may also help.
Clean the air filters in your home often. Also, clean bookshelves, vents, and other places where pollen can collect.
Wash your hair after going outside, because the allergen can collect there.
Vacuum twice a week. Wear a mask, because vacuuming can kick up pollen, mold, and dust that were trapped in your carpet.
Medications
Corticosteroids: These come as nasal sprays, topical creams and ointments, tablets, injectables and eye preparations. Corticosteroids work by reducing inflammation.
Nasal anticholinergics: A runny nose is a common complaint among those with allergic rhinitis. Anticholinergic nasal sprays reduce discharge from the
nose, but though they do not relieve a stuffy nose.
Antihistamines
Antihistamines have been used for years to treat allergy symptoms. They can be taken as pills, liquid, nasal spray, or eye drops. Over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamine eye drops can relieve red itchy eyes, while nasal sprays can be used to treat the symptoms of seasonal or year-round allergies.
When you are exposed to an allergen -- for example ragweed pollen -- it triggers your immune system. People with allergies demonstrate an exaggerated immune response. Immune system cells known as "mast cells" release a substance called histamine, which attaches to receptors in blood vessels, causing them to enlarge. Histamine also binds to other receptors causing redness, swelling, itching, and changes in secretions. By blocking histamine and keeping it from binding to receptors, antihistamines prevent these symptoms.
Decongestants
A decongestant is a type of medication that helps clear up congestion. Dilated blood vessels in the nasal and airway membranes are what cause congestion in the nose, sinuses, and chest. Decongestants work by narrowing those blood vessels, decreasing swelling and inflammation. This allows more air to flow through, as well as mucus to drain The result, often much-needed relief for cold and flu symptoms.
Decongestants are considered relatively effective for minor congestion from allergies, viruses, and other illnesses.
Decongestants often prescribed along with antihistamines for all decongestants should be used for only a few days at a time, because long-term use can make symptoms worse. Pills and liquid decongestants may be taken longer safely. They can come in nasal spray, eye drop, liquid, or pill form. Nasal spray and eye drop
Steroids
Steroids, known medically as corticosteroids, can reduce inflammation associated with allergies. They prevent and treat nasal stuffiness, sneezing, and itchy, runny nose due to seasonal or year-round allergies. They can also decrease inflammation and swelling from other types of allergic reactions.
Systemic steroids are available in various forms: as pills or liquids for serious allergies or asthma, locally acting inhalers for asthma, locally acting nasal sprays for seasonal or year-round allergies, topical creams for skin allergies, or topical eye drops for allergic conjunctivitis. In addition to steroid medications, your physician may decide to prescribe additional types of medications to help combat your allergic symptoms.
Steroids are highly effective drugs for allergies, but they must be taken regularly, often daily, to be of benefit -- even when you aren't feeling allergy symptoms. In addition, it may take one to two weeks before the full effect of the medicine can be felt.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy may be one of the most effective forms of treatment if you suffer from allergies more than three months of the year. Allergy shots expose you to gradually increasing levels of the offending allergen to help your immune system build tolerance.
The FDA has approved several under-the-tongue immunotherapy tablets that can be taken at home. The prescription tablets, are used for treating hay fever and work the same way as shots the goal is to boost a patient’s tolerance of allergy triggers
Alternative treatments
A teaspoon of salt, and a quarter-teaspoon of baking soda to clear out mucus and open sinus passages. You can use a squeeze bottle or a neti pot, which looks like a small teapot. Use distilled, sterile, or previously boiled water to make up the solution. It’s also important to rinse the irrigation device after each use and leave open to air dry.
Green Tea
In recent years, green tea for allergies has caught on. One of green tea’s main antioxidants, EGCG , (Epigallocatechin gallate) that could help fight allergy symptoms. Include 2-3 cups of Green Tea to your daily diet and it may help.
Saline Spray
It may be hard to fathom, but something as simple as saltwater may actually help you to breathe easier. The use of saline sprays may relieve dryness, congestion, and even snoring caused by allergies. It can also be a useful adjunctive treatment if you have obstructive sleep apnea. Saline sprays may also ease nasal dryness, prevent nosebleeds, or relieve congestion associated with the common cold.
Get Steamy
Inhale some steam. This simple trick can ease a stuffy nose and help you breathe easier. Hold your head over a warm (but not too hot) bowl or sink full of water and place a towel over your head to trap the steam. Or sit in the bathroom with a hot shower running.
Consider Acupuncture
This ancient practice may bring some relief. The way acupuncture affects nasal allergies is still unclear. But a few studies show that it may help. Ask your doctor if it would be good to try.
When to See an Allergist
If you think you have allergies, think about seeing a doctor who can tell you whether you do or not. An allergist is an MD who specializes in treating allergic conditions. An allergist can tell you what you’re allergic to and how to avoid your triggers.
You may want to make an appointment if:
You have symptoms such as a runny or stuffy nose, cough, or watery eyes that last for more than three months and make it hard for you to work or sleep.
You’ve tried over-the-counter drugs and still need more relief.
You get a lot of sinus infections, headaches, stuffy nose, or ear infections.
You snore or have trouble staying asleep.
You have other health problems such as heart disease, thyroid disease, diabetes, glaucoma, high blood pressure, enlarged prostate, liver disease, or kidney disease. If you do, it may not be safe to treat allergies on your own with over-the-counter drugs. Talk to your doctor before you take them.
Children and older people with allergies should always see a doctor before treatment starts.
From assisting with allegory medication or improving household habits to reduce allergens, we can help your loved one with unmatched in-home care. Contact us to learn how we help you and your loved ones during this allergy season and beyond.