L I F E & S T Y L E | F YI
Allergy Season Looms
As a rise in allergens becomes apparent, experts advise on ways to stay relatively sneeze-free.
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t’s that time of year in Oklahoma when itchy, watery eyes Differentiating Between Allergies and Illnesses and sneezing sneak up on us. Allergies can range from minor “An allergen is defined by its capability to elicit an allergic rediscomfort to much worse, depending on the individual. sponse,” says Brandon Humble, M.D., of the Allergy Clinic of Tulsa. “The most common allergens in Oklahoma during the spring “Put differently, it’s not something that the molecule did wrong, are grasses and trees,” says board-certified allergist Dean Atkinbut rather that the immune system has learned, rightly or wrongly, son, M.D., of the Oklahoma Allergy and Asthma Clinic in Oklato see it as a threat and respond accordingly.” homa City. “Grasses include fescue, Johnson, bahia, timothy, This type or allergen usually causes symptoms like runny nose, bluegrass and orchard, which will pollinate in the early spring, itchy watery eyes, coughing, sneezing and post nasal drip. The whereas Bermuda will pollinate in the late spring and summer.” easiest way to tell the difference between allergies and a different Atkinson recommends avoidance of the allergen as an effectype of sickness such as a cold or flu is a fever. tive measure to cut back on symptoms. “Seasonal allergic rhinitis, the most common “This would include keeping windows closed type of seasonal allergies, will never cause fever during the spring and the fall or when pollen outside the setting of an infection like a sinus counts are high,” he says, along with “allergy-proof infection,” says Humble. “If you have a fever, there is encasements for the mattress and pillows and, if something else going on.” possible, washing pets once weekly and keeping Humble agrees avoidance can work for some them out of the bedroom and off the bed.” people, depending on the allergens with which According to Atkinson, the triggers of allertheir bodies react. gies include exposure to allergens as well as a “An allergy to cats or peanuts can be more easily person’s genetic makeup. avoided by staying away from cats or peanuts,” he • Grasses “Families that have parents with allergies says. “But it’s much harder to stay away from grass • Trees are more likely to develop allergic rhinitis or pollen in the air.” • Weeds asthma,” he says. “You must be exposed to an According to Humble, his mother recommended • Cockroaches allergen to develop sensitivity. Once someone is a highly effective remedy to him as a child: saline • Animals (particugenetically predisposed, repeated exposures are nasal rinses using boiled or distilled water only. larly household required in order to develop sensitivity.” “The best first person to talk to is a primary pets such as cats He recommends antihistamines to be used as care doctor,” he says. “They can help determine if and dogs) needed or on a daily basis to help with allergy an allergist/immunologist might be of help to a • Mold symptoms. Immunotherapy can also help reduce particular patient with allergies.” • Dust Mites or eliminate the symptoms of allergic rhinitis. DEBI TURLEY
MOST COMMON ALLERGENS IN OKLAHOMA
APRIL 2022| WWW.OKMAG.COM
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