Seasonal Allergies in the spring

An Inland Northwest Allergy Guide

By Jessica Blackwell, MSN, APRN, FNP, ACHPN, AOCNP

Spring is a season of warm sunshine, new growth and, finally, saying goodbye to snow.

For many people in the Spokane and Coeur d’Alene area, it’s also a time of sneezing, itchy eyes, and runny noses. Many refer to these symptoms as hay fever. The Inland Northwest is a hot spot for allergens in the United States. Here are some tips for managing your symptoms and enjoying our beautiful area to the fullest.

Seasonal allergies are caused by an overreaction of the immune system to airborne particles, such as pollen, dust, and mold spores. When these particles enter our eyes, nose, or mouth, our im- mune system mistakenly identifies them as harmful. It releases chemicals called histamines, which trigger the begrudged allergy symptoms.

In Spokane and our surrounding area, spring allergies are typically caused by tree and grass pollen, which begin to circulate in late March and early April. Common trees in our area that produce pollen in spring and summer include pine, fir, cottonwood, and larch. The pollen can be so thick here that you find your car covered in a layer of it so it can’t be great for those allergic to it.

Tips for managing spring allergies:

Wash your hands and face: Wash your hands frequently and wash your face in the shower twice a day. This removes pollen.

Keep windows and doors closed: Keep your home, and car windows and doors closed to prevent pesky pollen from entering.

Use an air purifier: An air purifier can help filter out pollen and other allergens from the air inside your home.

Stay indoors during peak pollen hours: Pollen counts are typically highest in the morning and early afternoon. If your allergies are severe, you may want to stay indoors during these times when possible.

Don’t tolerate miserable allergy symptoms:

If preventative measures aren’t enough, there are great treatments available to improve your symptoms. I prefer to treat allergies from a top-down approach, starting with the eyes, then the nose, prior to consideration of oral medications. If you have itchy, watery eyes, you may want to start here with an over-thecounter allergy eye drop, such as Pataday, which prevent histamines from being released from the cells that house them.

This is different from Visine, which temporarily provides relief by constricting the blood vessels that feed your eyes. Our tears run into our noses, so eye drops can also help sinus and nasal symptoms. Next, add an over-the-counter steroid nasal spray such as Flonase or Nasacort. Don’t confuse these sprays with Afrin, which should not be used to treat allergies due to rebound congestion once discontinued.

If you continue to feel miserable, there are a variety of antihistamines available without a prescription, but they have a long list of side effects, including drowsiness, dry mouth, rapid heart rate, and difficulty urinating. In addition, a few studies have linked dementia with the long-term use of antihistamines. Zyrtec and Xyzal are my favorite long-acting antihistamines, as they tend to be more effective for many than the other

Meet THE AUTHOR, Jessica Blackwell

antihistamines. Sometimes Singulair is also prescribed. Don’t treat your allergies without first discussing your treatment options with your provider. Some options may not be safe for you to use, and your provider will come up with the best plan for you.

If your allergies are particularly severe, you can schedule a consultation with an allergist. Skin testing can reveal which allergens are triggering your symptoms. In addition to outdoor allergens, many people are also allergic to dust mites and pet dander in their home. Although it is unacceptable for most people to give away their pets, and I would be one of them, there are many actions you can take inside your home to minimize allergen exposure. If you are unable to manage your symptoms with prevention and medications, allergy shots may be recommended.

Seasonal allergies are a common problem in the Inland Northwest. If you suffer from allergies, you can take steps to obtain relief. Many people don’t think to mention their allergy symptoms to their primary care providers, but I highly recommend it. With the right approach, you can enjoy the beauty of spring without the affliction of allergy symptoms.

Jessica Blackwell owns eVillageHealth, a local primary care practice serving patients from Washington and Idaho. She received her undergraduate training through Washington State University, where she graduated Summa Cum Laude and received the Undergraduate of the Year Award. Jessica earned her graduate degree from Gonzaga University, again graduating Summa Cum Laude.

Blackwell’s healthcare career has spanned over 25 years. She started her career as an ICU nurse. During that time, she developed a patent to prevent ventilator tubes from disconnecting. Jessica has since served as a nurse practitioner in the areas of urgent care, medical oncology, and internal medicine/primary care.

Blackwell blends her experience with compassion. She offers a personalized approach to primary care. Services include primary care for cancer survivors, cancer prevention programs, one-on-one health coaching, and weight loss programs. She also specializes in reversing chronic illnesses such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. She does her best to see patients the day of or the next business day for urgent care, as she wants to be there for her patients when they need her most. She takes most insurances. Visit eVillageHealth.com or call (509)960-6527 with questions or for new patient information.

Summer Swimming Eye Irritants and How to Avoid Them

Spring has arrived and it’s the perfect time to prepare for summer eye irritants. If you want to avoid these three common summer eye issues, why not prep for the season now?

Chlorinated Pools

Adding chlorine and other chemicals to public and private swimming pools helps keep the water as clean and germ-free as is humanly possible. But when the chemicals mix with human sweat, urine, feces and skin cells, chloramines are created. Chloramines can cause skin and eye irritations. Your eyes can become red, teary, itchy and especially sensitive to light for one to three hours after you leave the pool. To avoid those problems, ask your public pool management to require showers before people enter the pool. That cuts down on sweat and skin cells entering the water. Wear clean swimwear and use the toilet before you climb into the pool. You can also ask the pool management team tests the chemical levels on a regular basis. Monitored levels help cut down on skin and eye irritation.

Urban legends suggest a green tint in a frequent swimmer’s hair is caused by chlorine, but that is not true. The color shift is a result of algicides that contain copper. The green tint in swimmer’s hair is akin to the green patina found on your aging pennies.

If the chlorine levels are correct and your eyes are still irritated, consider wearing swim goggles over your eyes to avoid contact with the water. Make sure the goggles fit well and block the water from making contact with your eyes.

Do not wear contact lenses when you swim. The lenses trap water and increase your odds of contracting a bacterial eye infection and other eye irritations. If you must wear your contacts, disposable daily contacts are less likely to cause infections. And prescription goggles are available through your local optometrist. If you’ve recently had eye surgery, either stay out of the pool for two full weeks, or avoid putting your head under the water until you’re fully healed.

Lakes and Ponds

Natural bodies of water are alive with microscopic life forms, including arthropods, bacteria, protozoa, hydras, fungi, phytoplankton and algae. The organism most like to cause eye irritation and damage is called acanthamoeba keratitis.

Infection occurs when the bacteria enters through the eyes or an open wound. Infections are very rare—only 33 in every million swimmers--but they are more likely in swimmers wearing contact lenses. It can be treated with prescription eye medications, but if it goes untreated, it can cause visual impairment or blindness. So a diagnosis is important, if you are infected.

Another bacteria in pond and lake water is coliform bacteria from wild and domesticated animal urine and feces can cause eye irritation and other symptoms. But pond owners can have their water tested to detect and correct for high levels of coliform bacteria.

Hose Water

Because water from your hose is usually treated by your city to prevent bacteria that can cause eye irritation, it should not be an active concern. But high pressure water sprayed directly into the eye can cause major irritation and damage. Be sure to monitor your kids and teach them how to safely play with a hose.

Signs of an Eye Infection

REDNESS | PAIN | YELLOW MUCUS DISCHARGE | SENSITIVITY TO LIGHT | SWELLING | IMPAIRED VISION | EXCESSIVE TEARING | THE SENSATION OF HAVING SOMETHING IN YOUR EYE

If you have these symptoms for more than a day or two, see your eye doctor for a diagnosis. Treatments can include warm compresses for the pain, prescription eye drops and creams and antibiotics. Early diagnosis will protect your long term vision, so early diagnosis is important.

By Marshall Peterson

I recently headed to Bend, Oregon to meet with artist Sarah B. Hansen. She had created new pieces to show at my arah knows the power of relationships in the world of art— and its disdain for “jerks.” She knows commercial galleries live or die based on those relationships. That professionalism makes me especially proud to display her unique work.

When I arrived at her studio I was shocked to see a mountain of art behind her. I wondered, “Is all that for me?” It was not. The work was for guest rooms at the Sunriver Resort. But Sarah had a lovely selection of work set aside for me, too.

Like most kids, Sarah loved art from a very young age. “From the very beginning of my life, I was interested in art. When I wasn’t outside playing on the farm, I would usually be inside creating art of some sort.”

One of her earliest memories was the creation of a “gallery” in her home. “I drew pictures and hung them up. Then I charged fake money for my parents and siblings to use to purchase the art. I even had a toy cash register.”

From her earliest artistic endeavors, Sarah knew talent had to be paired with an entrepreneurial skillset.

Acrylics is one of Sarah’s favorite mediums as an artist. “I use them because they are so incredibly versatile. Thinly applied transparent washes dry quickly and give way to thick, opaquely-applied passages of paint.”

From pencil marks to paint splatters, Sarah is in search of a feeling when she creates her work. “They lead me to the feeling I’m looking for and the aspects of energy and peace that seem to reside in all my work,” she says.

“The textural elements of a base gesso layer help to capture the many textures of the land. Imprinted circles symbolize bird songs, and imprinted foliage calls back to its history and a sense of place. Another thing I am currently obsessed about is the sky.”

When she moved to Terrebonne, Oregon, Sarah was instantly inspired. “I find myself painting big skies,” she said. “Cloud formations fascinate me and lend a feeling of expansiveness and opportunity in our lives.”

In recent months, Sarah has seen her work evolve. Where it may have once reflected the landscape alone, today her feelings are a part of creation. “It helps me to understand emotional connections to both the natural outdoors and to my inner voice.”

Landscapes captured Sarah’s artistic eye after she grew up on a farm. “I never got enough of being outside,” she said, “digging in dirt, observing bugs, playing with the goats and the bunnies.”

Sarah’s family also loved to camp and hike, expanding her sense of more distant horizons. “My dad loved it all. When I’m out in the wilderness, I feel his presence, along with the energy of life itself. That sense of peaceful belonging settles and calms me.”

In addition to creating evocative works of art, Sarah works as a teacher. “I currently teach online water-media courses through the Winslow Art Center, and in-person art courses and workshops at other venues,” she said. “I will be teaching a watercolor workshop in Italy this September and in Provence, France in 2024.”

Sarah gives back to her community by teaching. Maybe you’ll be inspired to give back by adding a Sarah Hansen painting from the Marmot Art Space in Kendall Yards to your collection. Please text us at (509) 270-5804 if you’re thinking about a purchase. We have a special surprise for you.

Sarah B. Hansen knows the value of studying another artist’s work. So she’s compiled these observations about five or her favorite colleagues for your consideration.

Tibor Nagy—his incredible edgework, minimalistic approach, suggestion of detail without painting all the detail, and his moody pieces.

Maggie Siner—her edgework, color palette, and handling of everyday subjects transformed into compelling paintings.

Irma Cerese—approach to landscape abstraction and shapes, her edgework, and her exceptional color families.

Heinz Buchele—gestural strokes in the landscape. Bold use of black and interesting linework. Unique and simplified color palette. Minimalist.

Tony Allain—strong compositional work in landscapes, bright, interesting color palette choices, strong brushwork and gestures.