Springtime Allergies, Part III

1. Are seasonal allergies just a nuisance or can it be a real health threat?

For most people, hay fever is a seasonal problem—something to endure for a few weeks or once or twice a year. However, for others, such allergies can lead to more serious complication, including sinusitis and asthma.

2. Can you describe these complications?

Sure, sinusitis is one of the most commonly reported chronic diseases. It is the inflammation or infection of the four pairs of cavities behind the nose. Congestion in these cavities can lead to pressure and pain over the eyes, around the nose, or in the cheeks just above the teeth. Chronic sinusitis is associated with persistent inflammation and is often difficult to treat. Extended bouts of hay fever can increase the likelihood of chronic sinusitis.

Asthma is a lung disease that narrows or blocks the airways. This causes wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing, and other breathing difficulties. Asthma attacks can be triggered by viral infections, cold air, exercise, anxiety, allergens, and other factors. Allergic asthma is responsible for almost 80 percent of all asthma diagnoses.

It presents the same symptoms as nonallergic asthma but differs in that it is set off primarily by an immune response to specific allergens. In most people with allergic asthma, the culprit allergens are those found indoors such as pets, house dust mites, cockroaches, and mold.

3. How can you prevent springtime allergies?

There is no cure, but you can take steps to curb springtime allergies, from medication to household habits. If you are allergic to pollen, or if you have asthma, you can try the following tips:

• Check pollen forecasts, and limit outdoor time during high levels.
• Take your allergy and/or asthma medicine as prescribed by your health care provider.
• Do not touch your eyes outside and wash your hands before touching your eyes indoors.
• Shower after being outside to remove pollen from your skin and hair.
• Change your clothes after being outdoors.
• Keep windows closed during pollen season.
• Use high-efficiency filters in your home’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. Make sure your HVAC system can use high-efficiency filters and that they don’t violate the system’s warranty.
• Save outdoor activities for late afternoon. Pollen levels tend to dip when the sun goes down.
• Mask up. A face mask can help block pollen when you’re outdoors.
• Shield your eyes. Wraparound glasses can keep pollen out of your eyes.
• Keep your grass cut short to help reduce pollen. Mowing can also stir up pollen, so don’t forget to wear a mask and eye protection.
• Brush off your furry friends after they’ve been outdoors to stop allergens from coming inside with them.

This content was originally posted on the WDTV News website here.

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