Got Allergies? Spring into action
With Jennifer Spata, M.D., family medicine physician with The Christ Hospital Medical Associates
Mild weather, blossoming flowers and budding trees are things we look most forward to as we unthaw from yet another long Midwest winter. But if you're one of the thousands of Cincinnatians who suffer from seasonal allergies, you might find your 'ahh, spring' moment interrupted by an 'ah-choo.'
The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America lists Cincinnati as 71 out of 100 of the worst cities for spring seasonal allergies. Before you reach for another box of tissues, it's time to get to the source of the sneezing, itchy eyes and sinus pressure.
"Finding out if your symptoms are caused by allergies can help you rule out other conditions and prevent some respiratory complications," says Jennifer Spata, M.D., family medicine physician with The Christ Hospital Medical Associates.
What are allergies? -
Allergies are an abnormal response of the body's immune system to air-borne substances in the environment. In Greater Cincinnati, the most common outdoor allergens are tree pollen, grasses and weeds/ragweed. When these allergens are inhaled or ingested, antibodies attack the particles and release histamines, which cause common allergy symptoms, such as:
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Watery and itchy eyes
- Postnasal drip
- Sinus pressure and frequent sneezing
- Dark circles and swelling under eyes.
Although most people find allergy symptoms simply irritating, the condition has the potential to harm the respiratory system. "Allergies can actually cause or aggravate sleeping problems, a deviated septum, nasal polyps, eczema, asthma attacks and ear and sinus infections," says Dr. Spata.
Certain risk factors make some people prone to allergy season, including family history of allergies, exposure to high amounts of allergens or cigarette smoke and inflammatory conditions such as eczema.
A primary care physician can diagnose allergies and identify your triggers with a history of your symptoms and, possibly, a few additional tests. If you're diagnosed with allergies, Dr. Spata recommends a variety of strategies that can help you skip the sneezing during allergy season.
- Check the air quality index.
- Adapt your living space.
- Start antihistamines early.
For Cincinnatians who suffer from environmental allergies, Dr. Spata shares this schedule:
- Spring: Start using medication around Easter to decrease reaction to tree pollen
- Summer: Use medication before Memorial Day to avoid allergens from grasses
- Fall: Begin medications before Labor Day to protect against weed and ragweed allergies
Since allergens can trigger asthma attacks, those diagnosed with asthma should use their controller medications regularly. Once an allergy begins, over-the-counter and prescription nasal sprays and eye drops can also help clear allergens and cause less irritation.
Get to a physician when things get serious. Don't assume you know what's causing your allergies. The only way to know for certain is talking to your doctor. When allergies become so intense that they induce vomiting, abdominal pain, dizziness and difficulty breathing, allergy shots may be necessary. These shots desensitize the body to allergens, but are only effective when administered consistently.
To find out if your sniffles and watery eyes are due to allergies, schedule an appointment with your primary care physician. To find a primary care physician near you, call 877-904-4YOU or visit www.TheChristHospital.com/TCHMA.
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