Q: I live in a farming area and have strong allergic reactions to pollen/grasses in the spring. How can I best cope? This happens every year.
A: Seasonal allergies, also sometimes called "hay fever," affect millions of people each year. Symptoms can be minor or barely noticeable such as itchy eyes or a scratchy throat or they can be more disruptive and include significant and chronic nose congestion, difficulty breathing, and even asthma or anaphylaxis which can be life threatening. When symptoms are severe they can disrupt daily activities and sleep. In addition, chronic symptoms can lead to chronic medical problems such as asthma or sinus infections. That is why it is important to seek the help of a professional such as your internist, family doctor, or allergist to determine the cause of your allergies and give you advice on how to appropriately treat them.
If outdoor allergens are causing the problem, you may be allergic to pollens that come from plants, flowers, weeds, trees, or grass and/or you may be allergic to molds that are found in dirt or wood. By knowing what you are allergic to you can begin to take steps to avoid or decrease your exposure to that allergen. If you are not able to avoid or decrease your exposure then there are medications called antihistamines that can be taken to help control certain symptoms such as itchy eyes and nose or a scratchy throat. Other medications such as nasal steroids can be helpful with short-term use to help minimize a congested nose or sinus symptoms.
Consult Your Doctor
Do not treat yourself without consulting your doctor first. Some over-the-counter medications may not be effective, and for reasons mentioned above it is important to determine the cause of your symptoms and make sure they are treated correctly and effectively. Other things that can help reduce your exposure to allergens include keeping your home and car window's closed during the allergy season and use air conditioning if needed. If possible, reduce or eliminate plants in your yard or home that are causing you to react. If you have specific tasks related to something you are allergic to such as mowing the lawn - swap chores with someone else! Weed control can also help to reduce symptoms.
Allergy symptoms are often worse in the spring and fall when pollens and other allergens are at their peak in the air. Certain weather patterns and conditions such as a spring season that follows a long winter, a windy climate or air pollution can worsen a person's symptoms. Moving doesn't necessarily solve the problem. People sometimes move to get away from their allergy symptoms only to find that they develop allergies to pollens and molds in that region of the country. Others do find climates that are better for them and seem to see improvements in their symptoms.
As a first step - don't move! See your doctor and get treated! |
