By
Robert Kocur, MD, Allergist and Immunologist, OSF Medical Group, College Avenue
As exciting as it is to break away from the cold of winter, spring and summer are not always perfect seasons. Many people find themselves sneezing and sniffling with runny or itchy eyes due to allergies.
What causes allergies?
Allergy symptoms that affect the nose in the spring time are due to airborne pollen and mold, and are commonly referred to as hay fever. A person becomes allergic to something when his or her immune system overreacts to an allergen and produces immunoglobulin (IgE) antibodies.
Classic symptoms of hay fever include nasal congestion or stuffiness, sneezing, running nose, itching of the nose, mouth, or ears; and itchy, watery, red eyes. Airborne allergies can also trigger asthma in the lower airway. About half of those with asthma also have hay fever symptoms. Typical symptoms of asthma are a cough that is worse at night or after exertion, chest tightness, and shortness of breath or wheezing. Eczema, which is a dry, itchy skin condition, can also act up in the spring from airborne allergies.
In the early spring of Central Illinois, hay fever is caused by pollen from trees. This generally occurs from March until May, depending on how quickly the weather warms up. Grass pollen begins in May, and is usually done by early July. In the fall, weeds are in the air from August until early October. Mold is in the air year round, but is worse in the fall. There is also a lot of weed pollen and mold spore production in the fall due to the large amount of farming and non-residential land in our area.
Managing allergy symptoms
There are a few ways to best manage allergies:
- People should try to avoid their allergens. For outdoor allergens, I advise keeping the windows closed during allergy season, running the air conditioner, and changing the furnace filter as directed.
- Those affected with seasonal allergies can also take medication to help ease their symptoms. While many options are over the counter, it is good practice to first speak with your doctor before taking extra medication.
- Immunotherapy is commonly known as allergy shots. It is the only known way to reduce how allergic a patient is. It has been shown to prevent the progression of asthma in children. Typically, allergy shots are given for three to five years at a frequency of once a month after the maintenance dose is reached.
When to see an allergist
Only about 20 to 30 percent of the population has hay fever. A significant number of people have nasal symptoms due to non-allergic reasons such as weather changes, temperature changes, cold air, or from irritants like cigarette smoke, perfume, paint fumes, etc. So how do you know if you should see an allergist?
You are a good candidate if your medicine is not working to relieve your symptoms. You should also consult with your physician if your quality of life is affected by not being able to go outside or missing school or work days.
Testing for allergies
Your history is the most important part of determining allergies. It forms the strongest guide and foundation for a diagnosis. An allergist may ask some of the following questions: What time of year do you experience symptoms? Are they worse outside or inside? What seems to trigger your symptoms? What makes your symptoms better?
After discussing your history, an allergist will perform skin tests for confirmation. These tests try to detect the presence of the IgE antibodies the body produces when it overreacts to an allergen. Skin tests are generally done on the arms, though the allergist will use the back for young children. Testing is done without needles and is relatively painless; it will feel like a pinch. Results are obtained in 10 to 15 minutes.
If you are suffering from allergy symptoms, talk to your doctor about how you can find relief. You can call OSF Medical Group, Allergy & Immunology at 309-664-3000 to set up an appointment today.
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