With the first day of Spring just days away, the allergy season is striking out against people from every race and ethnicity, folks are sneezing, wheezing, dealing with itchy eyes, and a red and congested nose. Although most understand the reality of allergies, not many know which bloom or blossom is the culprit of their discomfort
And spring allergies aren’t that different, some people have specific food intolerances, in fact, 10% of the American population has lactose intolerance with nearly one in four people suffer from some sort of food intolerance, spring allergies come and go with the season.
Some of the most common spring allergies include elm, mountain cedar, pollen, and grasses according to Rajiv T. Pandit, MD, an independently practicing ENT (otolaryngology) physician on the medical staff at Methodist Health System in Dallas.
Debra Ball-Brummett, MD, a board-certified family medicine physician who practices at the Alsbury Family Medicine Clinic in Burleson, Texas says “Allergies are caused by a release of histamines and are often due to a plethora of causes: grasses, pollen, trees, animals, dust, etc. Almost all of us are allergic to something. Some of us have very mild effects where others have considerable problems.”
So what do you do?
Ball-Brummett says don’t tough it out in misery for another season. Instead, make an appointment with your primary care physician to discuss options.
Antihistamines help with the itching, sneezing, and runny nose, but not with the congestion. Histamine blockers such as over-the-counter Zantac also help block the release of histamine.
Nasal steroids help with the swelling in the nasal passages. However, Ball-Brummett advises against over-the-counter Afrin or neosynephrine products. If used for more than a few days, it can cause a rebound effect that starts a vicious cycle.
If you have no contra-indications, an over-the-counter decongestant also helps with the nasal congestion, and Ball-Brummett says that Singulair, a prescription medication helps, but must be started early and used on a continual basis.
Pandit also suggests organic treatments, which may include irrigation, air filters, and facial steamers. If your allergies are severe, see an allergist for formal testing, and another little known remedy is trying tablespoon a day of local honey, preferably with the comb in it.
Another method to overcoming allergies is to have immunotherapy or allergy shots to improve one's immune system response to allergies. “No matter what, allergies should be treated,” says Pandit. “If you are unable to control symptoms or the symptoms worsen with facial pressure and pain, see an ENT (ear, nose, and throat specialist). If left untreated, allergy reactions can lead to sinus infections.”