Newswise — Are you experiencing symptoms such as runny nose, nasal congestion, and shortness of breath? Yes, it's that time of year again.
Spring and summer rains have produced hardy plants yielding plenty of ragweed, other weeds, and mold that can trigger dreaded allergy symptoms such as itchy eyes, scratchy ears and throat, and sneezing that can last until the first frost.
"The potential for a bad season is there, but how bad it is will also depend upon the weather during the coming weeks," explained Dr. Catherine Monteleone, an associate professor of medicine at the UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and a board-certified allergist.
"Dry, windy days spread pollens, resulting in more severe allergy symptoms," she added. "Ragweed, for example, is very light, so it travels far and it's hard to escape."
There are dozens of other allergy-causing weeds, including Mugwort, Cocklebur, and Lamb's quarters. Exposure to them or to thousands of molds - the most prevalent being Aspergillus and Alternaria - also may result in allergy symptoms. "It varies," Monteleone said. "Triggers can be all or one."
Allergy sufferers in need of relief now should hope for wet weather to wash away the pollen. "If it rains a lot, the season may not be so bad," Monteleone said.
They should start using prescription or over-the-counter allergy medication now, Monteleone urged. "If symptoms do not improve with over-the-counter medication, see your doctor," she added. "There is something out there that will help."
Another key to minimizing symptoms is to avoid exposure to pollens, Monteleone said. "Close windows in the car and at home, and, if necessary, keep the air conditioner on," she advised. "Avoid being outside when the pollen counts are high. If you go outdoors, wear sunglasses to shield your eyes and try to go out later in the day, when pollen counts are lower," she added. When you return home, shower, wash your hair, and change your clothes to get the pollen off.
Otherwise, avoid anything that may cause irritation, such as strong perfumes or tobacco smoke, she said.
The University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ) is the nation's largest free-standing public health sciences university with nearly 5,700 students attending the state's three medical schools, its only dental school, a graduate school of biomedical sciences, a school of health related professions, a school of nursing and a school of public health on five campuses. Annually, there are more than two million patient visits at UMDNJ facilities and faculty practices at campuses in Newark, New Brunswick/Piscataway, Scotch Plains, Camden and Stratford. UMDNJ operates University Hospital, a Level I Trauma Center in Newark, and University Behavioral HealthCare, a statewide mental health and addiction services network.
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