|
'Tis the
Season for Sneezing! Advice on coping with
allergies
Newswise — Itchy,
watery eyes. Stuffy nose. Sneezing. Sound
familiar? As much as we love it, warm weather
can spell misery for the 20 to 30 million
Americans who suffer from allergies.
According to Dr. Rachel Miller,
Assistant Professor of Clinical Medicine and Public Health, New York-Presbyterian
Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center, the majority of spring
respiratory problems come from inhaling such allergens as tree or
grass pollen and mold spores.
Exposure to dust, pet dander, and
other indoor pollutants can worsen the severity of spring and summer
allergies, essentially adding fuel to the fire.
In addition, Dr. Elizabeth Leef-Jacobson,
Assistant Attending Physician at the Iris Cantor Women's Health
Center of NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical
Center, says allergies can trigger or worsen asthma and other
respiratory illnesses.
Drs. Miller and Leef-Jacobson
suggest the following tips to help allergy sufferers weather through
the season:
- If you stay in air-conditioned
areas with windows closed, you may reduce your symptoms. Be aware
they will flare up the moment you go outside and may remain with you
for the rest of the day.
- Window air-conditioning units do
not filter out pollen and mold spores. If you use an air
conditioner, keep it clean. Heating, ventilation, and
air-conditioning systems harbor moisture, mold, and dust.
- If you suffer from mild
symptoms, over-the-counter antihistamines will help for a few hours.
Caution should be taken because they may cause drowsiness. Driving
and operating heavy machinery should be avoided. Occasionally, older
men develop urination problems when taking antihistamines.
- If you need more relief,
over-the-counter antihistamines combined with a decongestant can
relieve symptoms. But, read the package for health warnings. People
taking multiple medications, and those with chronic medical issues
like hypertension or prostate problems, should consult a physician.
- If you are concerned about your
symptoms, please see your physician. In almost all instances,
identifying allergic sensitivities and tailoring treatment with
prescription drugs, nasal sprays, eye drops, non-sedating
antihistamines or allergy shots, or specific allergen avoidance can
help alleviate symptoms. |
Now,
keep up to date with daily feeds of newly posted stories about America's
Seniors...click on the box to the left