TREAT Seasonal Allergies

It’s that time of year again. While we all love to see warmer weather and beautiful blooms, many of us suffer from seasonal allergies that take the fun out of spring. Instead of hiding indoors, enjoy the weather by getting to the root cause of your allergies and alleviating symptoms with home remedies and the help of a physician.

“Seasonal allergies are very common,” says Dr. James Jaing, chief of allergy at Kaiser Permanente Central Valley Area. “Symptoms are often annoying and can interfere with daily living.” Look out for a clear runny nose, nasal congestion, sneezing, postnasal drip, facial pain or pressure, ear congestion, and itching of the eyes, ears, nose, or throat. Symptoms may be seasonal but may also be perennial (year-round)

Start treating allergies as soon as symptoms appear, or even before. “Left untreated, seasonal allergy symptoms can lead to other health issues such as

 BY NORA HESTON TARTE

asthma, sinus and ear infections, nasal polyps, and respiratory infections,” Dr. Jaing says. “Indirect costs include days off work, decreased productivity, and school days missed.” You can see your doctor before spring hits to develop a treatment plan and sign up for allergy testing to identify triggers. Your doctor can also assist with environmental control strategies and medications to relieve symptoms.

Once you know more about your allergies you can take proactive steps to control symptoms. For example, if a pet is to blame, set some boundaries. Keep animals out of the bedroom and definitely off of the bed. Bathe them regularly, wash your hands after petting sessions, and vacuum frequently. If you have a mouse, hamster, rat, or rabbit, be mindful of cage liners made with alfalfa or grass pellets that can aggravate pollen allergies.

If dust mites—microscopic insects found in house dust—are to blame, put extra effort into keeping your home clean. Purchase mite-proof casings for mattresses, box springs, and pillows, wash bedding and stuffed animals on hot every one-to-two weeks, and consider removing carpet and curtains, especially in bedrooms. kp.org/centralvalley

If pollen is your main trigger, keep what belongs outside out. Close windows during allergy season, stay indoors in the early morning and late afternoon, use recirculated air mode on your air conditioning unit, and wear a pollen mask when needed.

“If environmental controls and medications do not help relieve nasal allergy symptoms, your doctor may recommend allergy shots,” Dr. Jaing says.

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