HITTING HOME
The stories you read in the Life section often pertain to your life. If you are one of the many people affected by allergies, then this article might help you cope.
Spring season, or allergy season in the Miami Valley, has sprung.
For allergy sufferers, this time of year is a constant cycle of feeling yucky, but this year, could it be possible that allergy sufferers are feeling worse than usual?
The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) has ranked Dayton number seven, up from last year’s ranking of 10, on the list of 100 major cities that prove the most challenging places to live with spring allergies.
“Dayton has the highest pollen and mold counts with speculation of the location being in a valley effecting air flow and weather — the reason the Miami Valley is called ‘Sinus Valley,’ ” said Belinda Huffman, pulmonary health/diagnostic coordinator at Dayton Children’s Hospital.
Our high humidity environment is why allergies are so difficult here, said Dr. Joseph Allen, with Family Medicine of Vandalia.
“Outdoor allergies are out of our control, but indoor allergies we can control,” Allen said.
Although medicines are widely available, allergy sufferers in Dayton are worse than the average in taking them, according to the AAFA ranking.
Allen and Huffman agree that money and education play a factor in why people are not seeking medicinal help.
“The reason could be because of cost since over-the-counter medications are not covered by insurance. The allergy sufferer may not have an understanding of what medication to take so he or she doesn’t, and avoids purchasing medications that may not work,” Huffman said. “It is important to see his or her doctor to get the accurate recommendation of an over-the-counter or prescription.”
“A patient comes in and says, ‘I get a sinus infection every year at the end of February, beginning of March,’ and guess what: It’s not a sinus infection — it’s allergies. So, education is a part of it,” Allen said.
Patients who are too young to take medications, should take steps to avoid allergens.
“There are resources such as The Weather Channel to keep track of the pollen count. When it is high, keep the child indoors with windows closed. If the air conditioner is used, then make sure the filter is clean. When the child is done playing outside he or she should shower before going to bed to clean any spores off the body,” Huffman said.
“Even if pollen count is not high, during the warm weather season do not allow the child to be around fresh cut grass and clean up yard debris. It is important to keep water drained away from the house foundation by cleaning out gutters and making sure they are maintained. Keeping the area outside and inside the house dry is important to prevent mold. Spring cleaning is important as well, but use cleaning products that are not toxic and strong smelling,” Huffman said.
Of course, since allergy symptoms resemble those of the common cold, identifying the differences causes difficulty, too.
“Symptoms are similar between the two such as runny nose, sneezing, watery eyes, headache, congestion, post nasal drip. Colds are likely associated with thicker colored (yellow-green) nasal discharge, sore throat, fever, body aches. Allergies, the nose and eyes are often itchy and nasal drainage thin and clear unless there is a sinus infection,” Huffman said.
To help alleviate allergy symptoms, Allen advises sufferers to see a doctor.
“There are plenty of prescription medicines available. We can use steroids to get allergies under control, and then once they’re under control, we use other meds like antihistamines. Sometimes we use some in combination. Nasal sprays can help. Allergy shots — I don’t do them in my office, but they are an available option,” Allen said.
Allen said he discusses many options like allergen free linens or changing cleaning supplies with his patients to alleviate symptoms.
“Studies might say it’s nothing better than a placebo, but if it works for you, I say do it,” Allen said.
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