Seasonal Allergies

H. Farhadian, M.D., F.A.A.P., F.A.A.A.A.I.
Copyright© 2009, Valencia Allergy & Asthma Center. All rights reserved.

Now we are in the midst of spring. The trees are in full bloom and fields of wildflower blanket the landscape. This is nature at its finest ... unless you suffer from allergies.

Due to rainfall this winter, pollens are abundant. This means runny noses, itchy eyes, nasal congestion and wheezing for many allergy sufferers. Tree pollen is in full swing and the grass pollen season will soon follow. Weed pollens are heavy from mid-July to November and Southern California's usually dry weather and dust compounds the problem.

It's not unusual for a person suffering from allergies to believe that he/she has a cold. When cold symptoms persist for more than a couple of weeks, it's probably not a cold. . . especially if it comes on every allergy season. Like a cold, allergies can cause significant discharge from the nose. However, nasal discharge from allergies is clear while a cold's is infected and pussy. Symptoms, though, vary from case to case.

The first time a person suffers from allergies, symptoms may last only a few weeks. Gradually, the length of time allergies affect a person may increase and can eventually become a year-round condition.

Sinus infections are a result of an untreated allergy condition. There are an estimated 25 to 30 million people with sinus problems in the United States. Some of these stem from allergies. People need to become more cognizant of the fact that sinus problems due to allergy can be dealt with successfully.

Once you know what you're allergic to, the best way to guard against allergy flair up is through avoidance. This isn't always easy, especially if your allergy stems from pollen.

For example, outdoor allergies aren't solved by having windows open. It's best to keep windows closed and use an air purifier or an air conditioner to filter out some of the pollens. Showering after exposure to the allergen (offending agent that causes allergy) helps wash out pollens from your eyes and nose, and room humidifiers reduce irritation (room humidifiers are not recommended for extended use as they promote the growth of mold and dust mite which cause allergies).

If you have no other choice than to being exposed to these allergens, you might consider wearing a filter mask when there is such a possibility.

Over the past few years, there has been significant progress in allergy diagnosis and treatment and further advancement is expected soon. Allergy sufferers today need not suffer from their symptoms and a specialist can bring symptoms under control so that a person may live a normal life.

An allergist makes an accurate diagnosis to treat the cause and not the symptoms. Sometimes it becomes necessary to do a skin test to find the offending agent, such as pollens or environmental causes. The allergist can provide prescriptions for medications which are safe and effective that don't cause drowsiness. In some instances, medications may not help and the individual may benefit from allergy injections or immunotherapy. Should you or a family member suffer from allergy symptoms, seek medical treatment to prevent serious complications.