By
Ritwick Agrawal, M.D. Princeton HealthCare System
Summer’s here — time to put away the nasal spray and say good riddance to itchy eyes and runny noses until next spring.
Not so fast.
For millions of allergy sufferers, summer doesn’t always bring relief.
And this year, seasonal allergies are particularly bad. Warmer, wetter weather across the country has allowed trees to pollinate longer, created a friendly environment for mold and extended the allergy season even longer.
What are allergies?
Allergies occur when your immune system perceives certain compounds, such as pollen and mold, as foreign invaders and battles against them by producing chemicals called histamines. When these histamines enter your bloodstream. they cause a chain reaction that results in symptoms including:
• Nasal congestion or runny nose.
• Sneezing.
• Itchy, watery eyes.
• Itchy throat.
• Dark circles under the eyes.
More than 35 million Americans suffer from seasonal allergies, according to the American Academy of Asthma and Immunology. If left uncontrolled, allergies can lead to poor sleep and irritability, and in some cases, even depression. Allergies also can exacerbate respiratory conditions, such as asthma.
What are the most common triggers of summer allergies?
Pollen and mold are by far the most common offenders when it comes to seasonal allergies. Pollen are tiny grains produced by trees, grass and weeds that are transported through the air to fertilize plants. These grains can get into your eyes, nose and mouth, causing you to have an allergic reaction.
Mold is a fungus that thrives in dark, damp places, indoors and out. Mold spores often grow in soil, plants and rotting leaves and wood, and like pollen, are carried through the air. Like pollen, mold is transported in the air.
While trees are generally finished pollinating by the end of spring, other plants like grasses and weeds pollinate throughout summer. For instance, ragweed — a particularly evil villain for allergy sufferers because it can travel for hundreds of miles on the wind — typically pollinates in August.
In general, the entire pollen season lasts from February or March through October, though in warmer climates it can last year- round. For mold, the season typically starts in the spring and peaks in July in the Northeast.
How are allergies diagnosed?
If you can’t stop sneezing and blowing your nose or your eyes won’t stop itching, it may well be time for a trip to the doctor — or, more specifically, an allergist. An allergist will take a personal medical history and be able to perform certain blood and skin tests to determine exactly what type of pollens or molds are causing your symptoms and how to treat them.
With a skin test, the doctor will expose a small area of your skin — typically on your back — to certain allergens. If you’re allergic, a small hive will develop. A blood test called a radioallergosorbent test (RAST) can measure antibody levels in the blood after exposure to a certain allergen.
How are allergies treated?
Treatment for allergies ranges from over-the-counter decongestants and antihistamines to prescriptions medicines (including special eyedrops) to allergy shots or immunotherapy. Immunotherapy reduces your response to allergens by building up your resistance through a series of regular allergy shots. This treatment is typically recommended for severe allergies or for symptoms that last more than three months.
When taking over-the- counter medications, be sure to follow the instructions carefully and be aware of side effects, including sleepiness. Many patients report that allergy medication makes them tired and that they can only take it at night. If you are taking over-the-counter medications for more than three days and you’re symptoms aren’t getting better, talk to your doctor.
In addition to medication, doctors may also recommend a saline nasal rinse to clear out the nasal passages. A neti pot, which resembles a small teapot, is often used for this purpose.
What else can you do?
If you suffer from seasonal allergies, the American Academy of Asthma and Immunology offers the following tips to limit your exposure to pollen and mold:
• Keep your windows closed at night and if possible, use air conditioning, which cleans, cools and dries the air.
• Try to stay indoors when the pollen or mold levels are reported to be high, or you may wear a pollen mask if long periods of exposure are unavoidable.
• Avoid hanging sheets or clothes outside to dry.
• Consider taking a vacation to a more pollen-free area, such as the beach or sea. When traveling by car, keep your windows closed.
• Talk your doctor about other ways you might find relief.
To find a physician with Princeton HealthCare System, call 888-742-7496 or visit www.princetonhcs.org.
Ritwick Agrawal, M.D., is board-certified in internal medicine and pulmonary disease. He is a member of the medical staff at University Medical Center at Princeton.
