Let's Talk Allergies

How to Avoid Pollen

For some time we have been discussing allergies and what causes an allergic reaction, the actual nature of the reaction, and the common allergens. Now it is time to put this knowledge to work at home. If you have seasonal allergies you must know how to avoid pollen.

Avoiding different allergens requires different approaches. Some strategies require little to implement, others require an investment of time or money. Lets’ get started.

Steps to Avoid Pollen

Sadly complete avoidance of allergenic pollen or mold would means moving to a place where the offending substance does not grow and where it is not present in the air. Care to live in a bubble or on the moon?

But even this extreme solution would probably only offer temporary relief since a person who is sensitive to a specific pollen or mold may subsequently develop allergies to new allergens after repeated exposure. For example, people allergic to ragweed may leave their ragweed-ridden communities and relocate to areas where ragweed does not grow, only to develop allergies to other weeds or even to grasses or trees in their new surroundings.

Because relocating is not a reliable solution, allergy specialists do not encourage this approach. There are other ways to evade the offending pollen: remaining indoors in the morning, for example, when the outdoor pollen levels are highest. Sunny, windy days can be especially troublesome. If you must be outside on high pollen count days, then be aware that you are carrying pollen on your clothing and hair when you come inside. That means going straight to the bathroom to shower, wash your hair, and put on fresh clothing. Do not put pollen-contaminated clothing in your bedroom, but take it directly to the laundry room or a laundry hamper that is not in the bedroom.

Keep pets indoors too when pollen counts are high. Your pet’s fur will collect pollens when they are running around and then bring them inside where they will contaminate your living area. We know it is not practical to keep them in so you will need to brush out their fur when they come in.

If you must work outdoors during pollen season, wear a face mask designed to filter pollen out of the air and keep it from reaching your nasal passages. If you don’t wear a pollen mask, re-read the section on nasal irrigation. You might want to invest in a neti pot or other nasal irrigation device to use when you come inside after being out on high pollen count days.

People who take their vacations at the height of the pollinating season should choose a location where exposure would be minimal. The seashore, for example, may be an effective retreat for many with pollen allergies so come on down to sunny South Florida and stay on the beach.

Till next time
Cheryl

The Allergy Store

How to Treat Your Allergy Symptoms Part 3

Last but not least. Immunotherapy, or a series of allergy shots, is the only available treatment that has a chance of reducing allergy symptoms over a longer period of time.

Patients receive subcutaneous (under the skin) injections of increasing concentrations of the allergens to which they are sensitive. These injections reduce the amount of IgE antibodies in the blood and cause the body to make a protective antibody called IgG.

Many people with allergic rhinitis will have a significant reduction in their allergy symptoms and in their need for medication within 12 months of starting immunotherapy. Most patients who benefit from immunotherapy may continue it for three years and then consider stopping.

Now many people are able to stop the injections with good, long-term results, however, some do get worse after immunotherapy is stopped and end up having to start again. As better allergens for immunotherapy are produced, this form of treatment will become an even more effective treatment.

Another form of immunotherapy that is popular in other parts of the world and is gaining interest in the United States is sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT). In this form of immunotherapy, instead of injections under the skin, drops are placed under the tongue. For those that hate needles, this is a very good thing.

This method of immunotherapy has been endorsed by the World Health Organization but has not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use in the US. While some allergists are using SLIT, it is considered by the FDA as “off-label” use of the extracts. However, the FDA has approved tablets for immunotherapy use at home to control allergy symptoms.

As always, talk to your doctor about the best way to treat your allergies.

Till next time
Cheryl

The Allergy Store

How to Treat Your Allergy Symptoms Part 2

Today we will continue our conversation about different ways to treat your allergy symptoms that do not include environmental controls.

Treat Your Allergy Symptoms with Mast Cell Stabilizers

Cromolyn sodium for allergic rhinitis is a nasal spray or inhaled medication that for some people helps to prevent allergic reactions from ever starting. When administered as a nasal spray, as a metered dose inhaler or through the use of a nebulizer, it can safely inhibit the release of chemicals like histamine from the mast cell. It has few side effects when used as directed, and can significantly help some patients with allergies. It is not used as a rescue inhaled medication. It must be taken for anywhere from 2 to 6 weeks to become effective.

Treat Your Allergy Symptoms with Decongestants

Sometimes just getting your nasal passages to drain will help to relieve symptoms such as congestion, swelling, excess secretions, and discomfort in the sinus areas that can be caused by nasal allergies. Sinus areas are hollow air spaces located within the bones of the skull surrounding the nose.

Your doctor may recommend using oral or nasal decongestants to reduce congestion along with an antihistamine to control allergic symptoms. Over-the-counter and prescription decongestant nose drops and sprays, however, should not be used for more than a few days.

When used for longer periods, these drugs can produce a “rebound effect” which leads to even more congestion and swelling of the nasal passages and a terrible addiction to the decongestant.

Treat Your Allergies with Nasal Irrigation

Nasal irrigation or nasal lavage is an ancient therapy that is experiencing renewed interest. Through the use of a neti pot, squeeze bottle, or electric pulsating device like the Sinupulse Nasal irrigation system, water is rinsed through the nasal passages and sinuses. This flow of water works to remove allergens, excess mucous., bacteria, and dried mucous. A sterile saline solution is always recommended.

In addition to the cleansing effect, the saline solution will provide a moisturizing effect to the membranes lining the nasal passages through the magic of osmosis.

Another added benefit is that mucous is thinned, making it much easier to expel. Care must be taken that the water and salt solution must be sterile and the device must be thoroughly cleaned after each use to avoid the risk of serious bacterial infection.

Up next – How to Treat Your Allergies with Immunotherapy

Till next time
Cheryl

The Allergy Store