Spring Allergies

By Russell Traister, MD, PhD

Though still thawing from a very cold winter and Punxsutawney Phil’s prediction of 6 more weeks of

winter, spring is fast approaching. While spring can be an exciting time, with warmer weather and blooming trees and flowers, for allergy sufferers the arrival of spring can lead to unwanted increases in allergy symptoms. The primary cause of spring allergy symptoms is tree pollen. Unfortunately, year after year, spring tree pollen counts tend to be increasing, causing an increase in allergy symptoms. Allergy symptoms in the spring are no different than any other time of year, though they may be more severe. The hallmark symptoms of environmental allergies are itchy, watery eyes and nose. Itching is key as it is due to molecules such as histamine, which are released upon allergen exposure. In spring, ocular symptoms in kids can be particularly severe, sometimes requiring treatment with oral steroids for prompt resolution.

Treatment of allergy symptoms can involve multiple approaches. Avoidance of allergen triggers is ideal to prevent allergy symptoms, but given the widespread nature of tree pollen, that can be difficult to do in practice. Keeping house and car windows closed can help. Minimizing outdoor time can also help, but depending on individual situations, can also be difficult. More recent studies have shown that wearing masks can also decrease allergen exposure, though eye symptoms might still be an issue. Eyeglasses or sunglasses can be somewhat, but not completely protective. Medications are the next treatment option. Intranasal steroids such as Flonase or Nasacort and antihistamines such as Zyrtec, Allegra, or Claritin are the most effective and both are available over the counter. Monteleukast is another option, available by prescription, though it is not effective for everyone. Allergy eye drops can also be beneficial. If symptoms persist despite medications, allergy shots are another option. Allergy shots are effective for about 80% of patients. After being tested for allergies, your positive test results can be used to mix your allergy serum. While allergy shots are effective, they are a big commitment, especially for the first 3-6 months. Administration of allergy shots requires building up the dose your body tolerates to what is known as the maintenance dose. This requires visiting your doctor’s office 1-2 times weekly, having your allergy shot(s) administered, and then waiting in the office for 20-30 minutes after your shot to ensure you do not have an allergic reaction. After about 6 months of build-up to your maintenance dose your shots can be spaced out and given on a monthly basis. This continues for 3-5 years, at which time a trial of stopping the shots can be attempted. It is also important to note that allergy shots do not take effect immediately and it may take 6-12 months of injections before clinical improvement is seen. In some patients, environmental allergies may also trigger exacerbation of underlying asthma. Allergy shots may be especially encouraged in those situations as shot administration has been shown to decrease asthma exacerbations. Regardless, choosing allergy shots is a personal decision and should be made in consultation with your allergist.

Dr. Traister is currently accepting new patients. He sees both pediatric and adult allergy patients at our specialty office in Bloomfield, at the Mellon Pavilion at West Penn Hospital, 4815 Liberty Ave., Suite 154. He also sees allergy patients at Dr. Petraglia’s office (adult primary care) at 455 Valley Brook Road, Suite 300, in McMurray.

About Us:

Featured Office for Spring 2022 Featured ARCADIAOffice for Spring 2022 ARCADIA

How many providers/staff does your office have? About Us: 26 Where is your office located? 9795 Perry Highway, Suite 100 Wexford, PA 15090How many providers/staff does your office have? 26 When did your office open? Pediatric Alliance Arcadia opened in February 2003. We Where is your office located? 9795 Perry Highway, Suite 100 Wexford, PA 15090moved into this location in March 2015. When did your office open? Pediatric Alliance Arcadia opened in February 2003. We Does your office offer any special services? and Newborn Classes. moved into this location in March 2015. We offer Care Coordination, Lactation Support, What is something unique about your office, something that your office does together or Does your office offer any special services? We offer Care Coordination, Lactation Support, and Newborn Classes. celebrates? We wear different themed shirts every Friday, and we love celebrating birthdays. Everyone here at Arcadia has a sweet tooth! What is something unique about your office, something that your office does together or celebrates? We wear different themed shirts every Friday, and we love celebrating birth-Fun Facts about your office: We are in a plaza that is shared with the Dog Stop. We get to days. Everyone here at Arcadia has a sweet tooth! see puppies walking by our windows all day long. Fun Facts about your office: We are in a plaza that is shared with the Dog Stop. We get to see puppies walking by our windows all day long.

FUN FA ACTS ABOUT ARCADIA PROVIDERS

FUN FACTS ABOUT ARCADIA PROVIDERS

Dr. Tony Kovatch: Runs Marathons Dr. Pam Clair: Loves Cycling and HikesDr. Tony Kovatch: Runs Marathons Dr. Leslie Soloshatz: Got a puppy last summer because she became an emptyDr. Pam Clair: Loves Cycling and Hikes -nester this year. And she has never had a dog before!! Dr. Leslie Soloshatz: Got a puppy last summer because she became an empty-nester this Dr. Susie Saunders: has a twin, loves gardening, birdwatching (favorites are orioles, blue-year. And she has never had a dog before!! birds, and hummingbirds) and doing anything outdoors with her family. Dr. Bill Coppula: Loves spending time with his grandson, and donates hair to Locks of Love. Dr. Susie Saunders: has a twin, loves gardening, birdwatching (favorites are orioles, bluebirds, and hummingbirds) and doing anything outdoors with her family. Dr. Mike Petrosky: Loves playing baseball with his son and costume parties with his wife. Volunteers at the Woodlands. Alanna Ellis: Got married in August, loves baking, gardening, and cycling (Peloton)

Dr. Bill Coppula: Loves spending time with his grandson, and donates hair to Locks of Love. Dr. Mike Petrosky: Loves playing baseball with his son and costume parties with his wife. Volunteers at the Woodlands. Alanna Ellis: Got married in August, loves baking, gardening, and cycling (Peloton)Annette Lucas: Loves spending time with her family.