April 8, 2004
Dr. Greg Vercellotti discussed allergies on the April 8
KARE-11 Today Show.
Q:
How do the recent air pollution warnings affect people with allergies? What
should they do?
Dr. Vercellotti:
Environment plays a big role. Outdoor air pollution, like smog, can exacerbate
allergies, but it doesnt seem to cause them. It seems to play a bigger role in
asthma. Theres one study, however, that suggests that smoking causes
allergies. Another suggests that being exposed to pets at an early age can help
a child build up a tolerance, but thats controversial.
About 36 million Americans suffer from seasonal allergies,
which are sometimes referred to as hay fever. Symptoms like sneezing, having a
runny nose or watery, itchy eyes are all signs the season has arrived. Most
people in Minnesota suffer from between April and October. Right now, the major
sources are molds and tree pollens. Maples, elms, birch, ash, and oak trees
will pollinate through May. After that, the major outdoor sources of allergies are
grass and weeds.
Allergies are the result of the body overreacting to
substances like pollens that it perceives as a threat. The sneezing, runny nose
and watery eyes are the bodys way of trying to eliminate that misidentified
threat.
Up to 70 percent of allergies are inherited. In fact, one
study found that two genes are linked to some people having allergies to diesel
exhaust.
Key Points
- Avoiding
sources of allergens is key to preventing symptoms. Avoid going outdoors
early in the morning or late in the evening when pollen levels reach their
peak. On high pollution alert days, consider staying indoors, especially
if you have asthma as well as allergies. Air conditioning and air
purifiers help remove allergens like pollens, dust mites, and other pollution.
- Keeping
the house clean is important, too. Remove old carpet and clean mattress
and pillow covers regularly. Vacuum and dust thoroughly, including blinds
and ceiling fan blades. If you have pets, bathe them regularly to remove
dander, which is the source of allergies. Consider keeping them in main
living areas, instead of allowing them to spend time in bedrooms.
Remedies
- There
are several types of medications available to help cope with symptoms.
Benedryl and Claritin, a non-sedative antihistamine, are over-the-counter;
others, like Allegra and Zyrtec are available by prescription only.
Decongestants can help clear a stuffy nose, but they should be used for a
limited time and people who have certain chronic conditions should avoid
them. Theres also a leukotriene inhibitor called Singulair that can
prevent allergic symptoms.
- There
are a number of nasal steroidal sprays available by prescription, and
Nasalcrom, another type of nasal spray, is available over the counter.
- Allergy
shots are 70 percent effective. They work by exposing a person to
allergens. Over time, the patient develops immunity and the symptoms stop.
A patient needs to get shots about every two weeks for six months to a
year. After that, they can get them on a monthly basis for maintenance.
Patients who get shots usually need to take them for three to five years.
- Doctors
recommend patients try over-the-counter medications first. If you dont
get relief, however, you should call your doctor. He or she can talk with
you about your symptoms and prescribe a medication that can help you
better cope with your symptoms.
- And remember, for anyone with allergies to insect stings,
now is a good time to talk your doctor about getting an epinephrine pen
to have as a precaution.
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is not intended to provide medical advice. Specific advice on diagnosing or
treating a health care problem should be obtained from a health care provider.
Visit University of Minnesota Physicians for a list of medical specialties
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