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Wheezing through summer allergies
Are you feeling the burn of itchy, watery eyes? Do you have to pause every other sentence to sneeze or cough?
This isn’t an advertisement for the newest, fastest-acting allergy medicine - but it is a reminder of how inconvenient summer allergies can be for sufferers.
As the summer season kicks into high gear, area residents are feeling the “sniffling” effects of pollen and other allergens. An estimated 35 million Americans suffer from upper respiratory tract symptoms caused by airborne allergens, according to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.
“Grass and weeds are probably the most common allergens in Cherokee County,” said Dr. Tracy Childers, ear, nose and throat specialist. “Mold is a challenge, especially in Cherokee County, where we have the lakes and rivers.”
Childers said people are not generally born with their allergies.
“Usually, there is a predisposition to develop, and it’s not uncommon for adults to gain symptoms,” said Childers. “A study of family history - allergies and asthma - can show recurrent symptoms.”
According to AllergyActionPlan.com, a Web site produced by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, allergic rhinitis (also known as “hay fever” or “seasonal allergies”) is a major cause of sneezing, wheezing and coughing. An immune system can overreact when a person’s body comes into contact with allergens, thus causing these irritating symptoms, according to the site.
“You would need to talk with a doctor,” said Joy Boren, Cherokee County Health Department’s clinic coordinating nurse. “Any allergy can be dangerous.”
Several over-the-counter solutions can ease allergy suffering, including saline nasal spray. But Boren urges caution when using OTC nasal spray, including neosenephrin, because of side effects.
“Saline nasal spray washes the pollutants out of the sinuses,” said Boren. “But use the over-the-counter nasal sprays, such as Neosenephrin, with caution; they are habit-forming and can cause a rebound effect, making your allergy seem worse.”
Childers calls the possible effects more of a reliant than an addiction.
“Neosenephrin and Afrin can cause rebound congestion for people who use it consistently up to three days,” said Childers. “But saline spray is probably the most inexpensive and effective solution to allergies.”
To properly use saline spray, Childers recommends the user bend his or her neck forward and point the spray through the nostril toward the inner part of the eye opposite the nostril.
“Do not inhale while you spray,” said Childers. “After you spray, blow it out immediately. It will keep nasal passages cleaner.”
Childers also recommends Nasalcrom, generically known as cromolyn sodium, for use before allergies become a problem. Cromolyn sodium is a former prescription-only drug now available OTC that helps prevent the release of histamine chemicals from pollen particles in the nasal passage, according to Childers.
“It lasts for about six hours, so I would suggest it be used about a half-hour before expected exposure to allergies, like when you go to mow your lawn,” said Childers. “Consult with your physician before shopping for over-the-counter medications.”
Regina Christie knows what it’s like to deal with allergies, especially pollen. Christie keeps an eye on the weather to prepare for allergy problems, which often give her watery eyes and headaches or cause her to sneeze.
“Pollen [affects me the most], especially after it rains and flowers open up and the grass starts growing again,” said Christie. “Mold count is almost always up in Oklahoma, so I am usually prepared for that.”
Christie also keeps an eye on her surroundings and tries to stay inside when grass is being burned or cut nearby.
“I always try to carry some kind of antihistamine in the car or my purse,” said Christie. “You never know when something, maybe even in the air, will cause a reaction.”
Those who do not suffer from allergens may not completely understand the inconvenience caused by such tiny, often-microscopic particles, but some feel the need to pass along advice.
“Really, the only thing I’m allergic to is work,” said Greg Lance, Northeastern State University freshman. “But seriously, what really makes me mad is when people sneeze and don’t cover their mouths.”
Lance recalled a particularly bad example of how one person’s allergies ruined his day - or at the least his shirt. He then demonstrated what had happened.
“I remember some girl who sneezed all over my arm during finals week at NSU, right outside Seminary Hall,” said Lance. “She just turned and sneezed, and then I had all this junk on my arm. They just need to learn how to cover their mouths and wash their hands.”
Though it should be no surprise, germs are often unintentionally left on objects others might come in contact with.
“Washing your hands after sneezing, or covering your mouth when coughing, helps to decrease the spread of any
infection to others through inanimate objects, like telephones, that you may not realize you have,” said Boren.
Direct or indirect, effects of allergies can reach out to sufferers or non-sufferers.
“Living in Oklahoma, it’s just something you learn to cope with,” said Christie.
Location makes a difference
Depending on where you live, allergy seasons may be mild or severe. Before you head out the door, you may want to check the local allergy forecast.
There are certain times during the year when plants and trees release pollen into the air. The timing of these pollen seasons depends on your geographic location. Different regions have different types of plants that pollinate at different times.
Similarly, the severity of your mold spore allergies can depend on the climate in which you live. In the warmest areas of the U.S., mold spores grow all year! But before you move to Antarctica, remember that mold spores also grow indoors, making it a year-round problem.
From AllergyActionPlan.com
