5 Tips For Avoiding SEASONAL ALLERGY SYMPTOMS

A person with seasonal allergies is sensitive to allergens that are only around at certain times of the year. Plant pollens from blooming trees and grasses are the classic examples. Dr. Daniel Strigenz, an otolaryngologist (ENT) at Houston Methodist ENT Specialists at The Woodlands, has five tips to help you prepare for seasonal allergies.

1. KNOW WHEN IT’S TIME TO PREPARE

There are three different allergy seasons: spring, summer and fall. Each of these seasons is marked by a different type of plant pollen being released. “Depending on which type of pollen you’re sensitive to, you may experience allergies during one, two or even all three of these seasons,” noted Strigenz. “Know your history of when your symptoms traditionally act up the most.”

2. TAKE STEPS TO REDUCE YOUR POLLEN EXPOSURE

“Staying indoors is the best way to avoid seasonal allergy symptoms,” said Strigenz. “It is difficult, but at least take steps to limit your exposure.”

Tips to limit pollen exposure:

■ Check the pollen count using your weather app and plan your day accordingly.

■ Avoid driving with your windows rolled down, especially in the mornings.

■ Wear a mask if you need to be outdoors.

■ Set your car’s AC to recirculate the air, rather than drawing it from the outside.

■ Consider changing clothes and showering when you arrive home after being outdoors.

3. PRETREAT SYMPTOMS IF YOU’RE A REGULAR SUFFERER

Start with an over-the-counter nasal steroid spray regimen or take a daily nondrowsy antihistamine when you know your allergy season is approaching.

“If you prefer a natural remedy for allergies, try frequent saline rinses,” offered Strigenz. “Flushing your nose with a saline wash can help remove some of the pollen that gets deposited in the nasal cavity, decreasing the possibility of your allergies being triggered.”

4. KNOW THE ALLERGY SYMPTOMS

As soon as you notice these symptoms, it’s time to start treating them:

■ Runny nose

■ Nasal congestion

■ Itchy eyes

■ Sneezing

■ Scratchy throat

■ General fatigue

■ Headaches

5. TAKE AN ANTIHISTAMINE

Allergies can hit even if you’re doing everything right. Nondrowsy oral antihistamines are a preferred method of treatment. “These medications start to act within a few hours and target the histamine response itself,” explained Strigenz. “They are an excellent initial option for treatment of allergy symptoms.”

While nasal steroid sprays are also good options for treatment, he cautioned against using nasal decongestant sprays, as you can become dependent, and they can cause rebound congestion. “Your congestion actually gets worse as your system becomes reliant on the spray,” noted Strigenz.

SHOULD YOU SEE A DOCTOR FOR SEASONAL ALLERGIES?

If your seasonal allergy symptoms interfere with your quality of life and persist despite over-the-counter medications, more effective prescription nasal sprays are available. Allergies can also mimic other health issues.

“ The symptoms of congestion, drainage and facial pressure can be a bad bout of allergies or a sinus infection. If you’re not getting better in 7 to 10 days, it’s time to see a doctor,” Strigenz added. “ There are new in-offic procedural treatments that may help with allergy symptoms. For instance, we can try to calm down overactive nerves in the nose that stimulate mucous production and shrink congestion.” •

Treat your Chronic Symptoms

Your Houston Methodist primary care provider (PCP) is a great starting point for your seasonal allergy questions. Your PCP may refer you for chronic issues to one of our board-certified ENT specialists. To learn more, visit houstonmethodist.org/spg/ent/the-woodlands or call 936.270.4010 .

A gynecologist is an important partner in every woman’s health — whether a young adult, postmenopause or anywhere in between. Still, you may wonder which symptoms and issues warrant seeing one.

Dr. Terri Scott, an obstetrician-gynecologist at Houston Methodist Obstetrics and Gynecology Associates at The Woodlands, recommends scheduling an appointment with a gynecologist if you experience any of the following signs.

1. HEAVY OR PAINFUL PERIODS

“If you have heavy bleeding or severe cramping, it would be wise to seek medical care as there are many treatment options for patients,” Scott noted.

Two of the most common causes of heavy and painful periods are uterine fibroids and endometriosis. Fibroids are benign tumors that grow within the uterus and endometriosis is a condition where uterine tissue is implanted outside the uterus in the pelvis.

2. IRREGULAR VAGINAL BLEEDING

Though not always cause for alarm, you should evaluate the following bleeding patterns:

■ Unexplained bleeding between periods

■ Bleeding while pregnant

■ Bleeding after menopause

3. PELVIC PAIN

Scott emphasizes that it’s time to see your gynecologist if you’re experiencing pelvic pain over several days or pain with intercourse.

Pelvic pain with nausea, vomiting and fever can be signs of an infection or pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). PID develops in the uterus and fallopian tubes. To help preserve fertility, the infection must be treated immediately with an IV or oral antibiotics.

Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that can cause severe pelvic pain, but can easily be diagnosed with the use of pelvic ultrasound. “Don’t wait until the pain is unbearable,” Scott added.

4. MENOPAUSE SYMPTOMS

Symptoms of menopause can develop when women enter their 40s. Sometimes hot flashes and night sweats are unbearable. Scott recommends scheduling a gynecology appointment to discuss options for minimizing menopause symptoms.

5. BREAST PAIN OR LUMPS

If you detect a lump during a self-breast exam or experience breast pain, Scott recommends seeing a gynecologist to help coordinate an exam with breast imaging, such as a mammogram or ultrasound.

6. CONTRACEPTIVE COUNSELING

There are many options available for women to help prevent pregnancy. A gynecologist is a great resource for reversible, longacting contraception, oral contraceptives and permanent options.

7. YOU’RE DUE FOR YOUR WELL WOMAN EXAM

A well woman exam is an annual check-up with your gynecologist and includes a breast exam, pelvic exam and Pap test. Depending on your age, this exam could include recommended screening guidelines and risk for gynecologic issues.

Ths is also a good time to talk to your doctor about any other concerns you are experiencing, such as painful intercourse, vaginal dryness or bladder issues.

“Your well woman exam is a great way to be proactive and stay on top of your health,” Scott said. •

CARE BEYOND BIRTH BEFORE & AFTER DELIVERY SUPPORT

At The Woodlands, new moms and moms-to-be can fi nd support to help prepare for labor, delivery, and beyond. The Childbirth Center offers breastfeeding classes before delivery, a full range of lactation services, basic and advanced newborn care, and complete newborn health screenings.

“Breastfeeding is a special occurrence between mother and baby. And it is a bond that can take time to establish,” said Dr. Marianne Peck, an obstetrician-gynecologist at Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital.

Visit Houston Methodist Childbirth Center at The Woodlands at houstonmethodist.org/childbirththewoodlands or call 713.790.3333 to learn more.

To schedule an appointment with Houston Methodist Obstetrics and Gynecology Associates near you, visit houstonmethodist.org/spg/womens-services or call 936.270.4749 for Conroe or 936.270.3662 for The Woodlands.