Beat those seasonal allergies
(SPM WIRE)

The end of summer means more than the end of summer vacation for the kids - it also means the start of "hay fever" season for millions of Americans.

During this period, allergy sufferers may begin to feel relief from the diminishing tree and grass pollen. Unfortunately, ragweed season kicks off at the same time.

For the nearly 36 million Americans who are affected by seasonal allergic rhinitis, or "hay fever," this means an increased amount of sneezing and itchy, watery eyes. According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI), "hay fever" can have a major impact on a person's quality of life during this season which lasts into October.

"Ragweed is a stubborn plant that can grow practically anywhere. It produces one billion grains per average season and, due to their lightweight texture, the grains can travel up to 400 miles," said Fuad M. Baroody, MD, FAAAAI, Chair of the AAAAI Rhinitis Committee. "Without proper diagnosis and management, your allergies could take a heavy toll on your quality of life."

Symptoms of "hay fever" include sneezing, runny noses and swollen, itchy, watery eyes. These symptoms can be so severe that they affect a person's ability to function well at school or work.

Nearly 80 percent of patients with seasonal allergies experience sleep problems, leading to fatigue, loss of concentration and poor performance at work and school. Each year, more than 3.8 million days of work and school are missed due to the abundance of ragweed in the air which causes seasonal allergies.

The best way to avoid feeling the symptoms of seasonal allergies is to avoid the triggers. Remember these tips:

• Avoid areas where ragweed plants thrive, including ditches, vacant lots, roadsides, riverbanks and the edges of wooded areas.

• Keep windows closed during ragweed season to prevent pollen from drifting into your home. Use air conditioning, which cools, cleans and dries the air.

• Keep your car windows closed when traveling.

• Minimize outdoor activity when pollen counts are high.

• Take a shower after spending time outside; pollen can collect on your skin and hair.

• Minimize your exposure to other known allergens during ragweed season, since symptoms are the result of a cumulative effect of multiple allergens.

• Get up-to-date pollen information for your area by visiting the National Allergy Bureau online at www.aaaai.org/nab.

To help prepare for the arrival of ragweed, begin any allergy medications 10 to 14 days prior to your area's peak ragweed season. An allergist/ immunologist can assist by making an accurate diagnosis and developing an effective treatment.

According to the AAAAI's referral guidelines, patients should see an alergist/ immunologist if they:

• Have prolonged or severe symptoms of rhinitis.

• Have nasal polyps.

• Have co-existing conditions such as asthma or recurrent sinusitis

• Have symptoms interfering with quality of life and/or ability to function.

• Have limited their diet based upon perceived adverse reactions to foods or additives.

• Experience itchy mouth from raw fruits or vegetables.

• Have found medications to be ineffective or have had adverse reactions to medications.

• Are a child with allergic rhinitis, because immunotherapy may potentially prevent the development of asthma.

To find an allergist/ immunologist in your area or to learn more about allergies and asthma, visit the AAAAI Web site at www.aaaai.org.