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Health & Fitness

Taking the Itch out of Allergies

Spring and summer are beautiful in Elmhurst. While most people enjoy myriad bright colors, for others it means the dreaded allergy season has begun.

Spring and summer are beautiful in Elmhurst, especially with the flowers blooming in Wilder Park. While many people enjoy myriad bright colors, for others it means the dreaded allergy season.  Seasonal allergies are also known colloquially as "hay fever" even though they have nothing to do with hay. The impacting allergen often depends on the season. In spring they are typically from flower pollens, summer allergies from grasses and fall allergies from trees.

Many Americans suffer from seasonal allergies which tend to be hereditary. Like an unwanted family heirloom they get passed from one generation to the next.  

Sneezing, itchy reddened eyes, runny nose, and scratchy throat are the hallmarks of allergies. Often, once an allergy sufferer steps out of the house the symptoms begin. So what can you do to stop these symptoms?

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1. Avoid the allergen

Limit your exposure to the allergen. You can't avoid going outside, but spending less time outdoors will help considerably. Check daily pollen counts and plan your activities accordingly. (Our own Dr. Joseph Leija gives the daily count for the Midwest. You can follow him on Twitter @GottliebAllergy.) After exposure, rinse your eyes, nose and throat with clear cool water to remove pollen from mucous membranes. Changing clothes and taking a shower also help.

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2. Use antihistamines regularly

Antihistamines reduce histamine effects, thus lessening allergy symptoms. Common over-the-counter antihistamines can cause side effects, such as sleepiness and dry mouth. After awhile allergy sufferers might notice tolerance to a drug. This is when the drug’s effects on a person aren’t as effective as before. When this happens switch medications. If you have used all the over-the-counter medications, talk to your doctor about prescription drugs. Antihistamine eye drops or steroid nose sprays are also available as a prescription and can be used in conjunction with antihistamines. In some situations a tablet, used more commonly for asthma sufferers, might be an option.

3. Consider seeing an allergist

If you have done all the above and are still having problems it is time to see your allergist. Sometimes allergy symptoms are severe enough to warrant immunotherapy, a k a shots, to alleviate symptoms. This usually results in weekly visits to the allergist for shots to introduce very tiny amounts of the allergen initially and gradually increasing doses to help your body adapt to your environment.

If all else fails, be reassured that when the seasons change your symptoms will go away. Just hang in there!

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