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Seasonal Allergies

© Gretchen Malik

Just as sure as spring and summer usher in long days and bright flowers, it also marks the start of allergy season. Over 36 million Americans, myself included, suffer from the sniffles, sneezes, and itchy, red eyes of seasonal allergies. And other lucky individuals (about 10 million) have year-round allergies which can be triggered by substances in the house.

Seasonal allergies usually show theirselves in the spring or fall. They can and do occur in different parts of the country at different times of the year. This depends on when the main triggers (grasses, weeds, pollen) are on the move. Year-round allergies are triggered by microscopic insects (dust mites, animal dander, mold). So, what is an allergy sufferer to do? Here are a few things that may help:

1. Keep windows closed at night so pollens don't drift inside.

2. Stay indoors when pollen counts are high (between 2-4 p.m.) and on windy days. If mold triggers your allergies, stay indoors after a heavy rain. This is when mold blossoms.

3. Shower after spending time outside.

4. Hire someone to do your yard work. This makes a great job for a teenager in your neighborhood.

5. Close your car windows when traveling.

6. Get the pollen count in your area at 1-800-9-POLLEN or off the Web at http://www.aaaai.org/nab.

To better understand your body's reaction during an allergy attack, read on:

First you are exposed to the allergen. In an attempt to fight off what your body perceives as a danger, it produces an antibody known as immunoglobulin E (IgE). The IgE then triggers the immune cells in the mucous membrane lining the eyes and airways to release inflammatory substances resulting in itchy and watery eyes, a runny rose, sneezing and sniffling.

Now that you think you have an idea on how seasonal allergies affect you, test your allergy IQ*. Here are a few myths and realities.

MYTH: Some short-haired dog breeds are better for people with allergies.
REALITY: Not true. It is the protein found in the pet's saliva, dander, and urine that cause allergies in people, not the pet's hair.

MYTH: Continuous exposure to pets will decrease allergies.
REALITY: The best way to relieve symptoms is to remove the pet from the home. If this is not an option, keep your pet out of the bedroom, bathe the animal twice weekly, and have a non-allergic family member brush the pet outdoors and clean out its cage or litter box on a regular basis.

MYTH: Moving to a warm Southwestern state will cure your allergies.

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