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Topic of the Month: April 2005:
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 In this month's topic you will learn: |
Seasonal allergic rhinitis, also known as spring allergies or rose fever, is one of the most common allergic conditions in the United States, affecting 35.9 million people. If you are asking yourself why you feel so miserable this same time every year, you may be one of the millions of people who have seasonal allergies. (2005 Spring Allergies & Asthma Guide)
Spring allergies are caused by substances that trigger allergies, called allergens, usually tree and grass pollen. In the United States not every area of the country begins allergy season at the same time. The following chart displays the estimated time when airborne allergens start to affect your area:
For a more accurate pollen count, check out the National Allergy Bureau (NAB). With approximately 75 certified pollen counting stations throughout the U.S.; NAB provides the most accurate and reliable pollen and mold counts by using air sampling equipment to collect airborne pollen and spores. Consult the Web site, www.aaaai.org/nab, for your location.
Allergy Symptoms
Allergens can affect anyone from children to adults. Common symptoms that are present in those individuals who are affected by allergens are:
- Sneezing
- Congestion
- Runny nose
- Itchiness in the nose
- Scratchy throat
- Watery/itchy eyes
- Itchiness in ears
Preventing allergic reactions
A big part of spring is being outside and enjoying the weather. However for allergy sufferers who fear having an allergic attack the view from the window is the closest they get to being outdoors. If the right precautions are taken there is no reason why even the worse allergy sufferers have to miss out on outdoor fun. The AAAAI recommends the following tips to help prevent allergic outbreaks this allergy season:
- Do a thorough spring cleaning -- windows, book shelves and air conditioning vents collected dust and mold throughout the winter that can provoke allergy symptoms
- Postpone outdoor activities until later in the morning. Pollens are usually emitted between the hours from 5 - 10am
- Know your local pollen count
- If possible use air conditioning instead of having windows opened
- When traveling in a car have the windows up and the air conditioning on
- Stay indoors on hot, dry and windy days
- Don't hang your laundry out to dry. Allergens will collect on them
- Do not mow the lawn or rake the leaves without a filter mask
- Wash bedding weekly in hot water
- Shower and wash your hair every night before going to bed
- Remove visible mold with non-toxic cleaning products
- Beware of high mold spore counts after a heavy rain or in the evening
Treating seasonal allergies
Antihistamines and steroids taken through the nose can be very effective in controlling seasonal allergy symptoms. If you are already on those medications and are still having problems, you should consider consulting an allergist to find out if you would benefit from a course of allergen immunotherapy. If you do not have an allergist, use the AAAAI Physician Referral Directory to find one in your area.
For additional information, please visit the following links:
Tips to Remember: Outdoor Allergens
Tips to Remember: Traveling with Allergies and Asthma
Allergic Conditions Glossary: Rhinitis
2005 Spring Allergies & Asthma Guide
This topic was reviewed on 2/28/2005 by Stuart Friedman, MD, FAAAAI, Patients & Consumers Web Editor.
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