Q: I live in a farming area and have strong allergic reactions to pollen and grasses every spring. How can I best cope?
A: Seasonal allergies, also sometimes called "hay fever," affect millions of people each year. Symptoms can be minor, 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 might be allergic to pollens that come from plants, flowers, weeds, trees, or grass. You might also 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 minimize a congested nose or sinus symptoms.
Consult with Your Doctor
Do not treat yourself without consulting with your doctor first. Some over-the-counter medications might not be effective for you. And it is important to determine the cause of your symptoms and make sure they are treated correctly and effectively. To help reduce your exposure to allergens, you can also keep your house and car windows 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 airborne allergens are at their peak. 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 their new region of the country. Other people do find climates that are better for them and see improvements in their symptoms.
As a first step, don't move! See your doctor and get treated! |
