Newswise — With the peak of the spring allergy season fast approaching, millions of Americans are keeping their tissue boxes close by. The budding trees and blooming flowers associated with the early return of spring mark an increase in itchy, watery eyes, sneezing and other allergy symptoms.
Seasonal allergic rhinitis, or "hay fever," affects more than 20 percent of the people living in the United States, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI). Allergies are triggered by substances called allergens, such as pollen or mold spores. Many trees, grasses and weeds contain small and light pollens that are easily carried by the wind, causing allergy symptoms to flare up in the spring.
Allergy sufferers don't have to cope with the symptoms every spring. An allergist/immunologist can offer relief and a plan to control the cycle of symptoms that leads to 14.1 million physician office visits and an overall cost of $6 billion each year.
"Appropriate treatment for allergy symptoms is best done by referral to a board-certified allergist/immunologist," said Christopher C. Randolph, MD, FAAAAI. "He or she will generally take a thorough history and perform skin tests and/or blood tests for molds or pollens that are triggering your symptoms, and then determine the season of your particular allergen."
The AAAAI also offers the following tips to help allergy sufferers find some relief during the peak allergy season:
"¢ Do a thorough spring cleaning " windows, book shelves and air conditioning vents collect dust and mold throughout the winter that can provoke allergy symptoms."¢ Minimize outdoor activity when pollen counts are high. Peak pollen times are usually between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Get up-to-date pollen information for your area from the National Allergy Bureau at www.aaaai.org/nab."¢ Take medications at least 30 minutes prior to outdoor activity. Consult with an allergist/immunologist to ensure medications are helping you, and notify an allergist/immunologist when reactions to medications occur."¢ Shut windows in your house on days pollen counts are high. Avoid using windows or fans that may draw pollen inside."¢ Wash bedding weekly in hot water."¢ Dry laundry indoors. Sheets hanging on an outside line are an easy target for blowing pollen."¢ Shower and wash your hair before bed - pollen can collect on your hair and skin."¢ Keep pets off of furniture and out of the bedroom. Pollen can cling to the dog or cat after being outside."¢ Keep car windows closed during peak season. Use air conditioning and point vents away from face."¢ When mowing lawn or gardening, wear a filter mask.
When to see an allergy/asthma specialistThe AAAAI's How the Allergist/Immunologist Can Help: Consultation and Referral Guidelines Citing the Evidence provide information to assist patients and health care professionals in determining when a patient may need consultation or ongoing specialty care by the allergist/immunologist. Patients should see an allergist/immunologist if they:? Have prolonged or severe symptoms of rhinitis.? Have nasal polyps.? Have co-existing conditions such as asthma or recurrent sinusitis.? Have symptoms interfering with quality of life and/or ability to function.? Have found medications to be ineffective or have had adverse reactions to medications.? Are a child with allergic rhinitis, because immunotherapy may potentially prevent the development of asthma. To find an allergist/immunologist in your area, call the AAAAI Physician Referral and Information Line at 1-(800)-822-2762 or visit the AAAAI Web site at http://www.aaaai.org. To review the consultation and referral guidelines go to http://www.aaaai.org/professionals/resources/rgce/.
The AAAAI is the largest professional medical specialty organization in the United States representing allergists, asthma specialists, clinical immunologists, allied health professionals and others with a special interest in the research and treatment of allergic disease. Allergy/immunology specialists are pediatric or internal medicine physicians who have elected an additional two years of training to become specialized in the treatment of asthma, allergy and immunologic disease. Established in 1943, the AAAAI has more than 6,300 members in the United States, Canada and 60 other countries. The AAAAI serves as an advocate to the public by providing educational information through its Web site at http://www.aaaai.org.
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