For Immediate Release Contact: Jo Ann Faber at (847) 427-1200
March 11, 2004 joannfaber@acaai.org
BREATHE EASY THIS SPRING
Allergists Provide Tips for Fighting Allergies
ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL – People with allergies can breathe easy this spring if they know how to take control with three key survival techniques, according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI). Allergy sufferers can use avoidance, medication and allergy shots to not only survive, but feel good during peak allergy season.
"Many of the people who have allergies often unnecessarily suffer during peak seasons," said Michael S. Blaiss, M.D., president of ACAAI. "There are a variety of treatment options available to patients with allergies that can control their symptoms and bring relief."
According to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, an estimated 50 million Americans have from some type of allergy. Allergic rhinitis or hay fever is one of the most common allergies, affecting 10 percent to 30 percent of the population. Hay fever is caused by an allergy to the pollen from trees, grasses or weeds, or the spores of molds.
Typical symptoms are sneezing, itchy and watery eyes, runny nose and a burning sensation on the palate or in the throat. These conditions are often associated with other ailments including asthma, sinusitis, ear infections, nasal polyps, respiratory infections, sleep disorders and orthodontic problems.
Allergies can be controlled with a combination of actions and treatment, including:
Avoidance: reducing exposure to the things that trigger allergy symptoms, such as molds, pollens, dust and pet dander. Avoidance is the best allergy treatment and should be continued even when taking medication or receiving immunotherapy.
Medication: taking antihistamines, decongestants and inhaled medications to control symptoms including sneezing, watery eyes, runny nose and congestion. Today’s medications for allergies are better than ever and do not cause side effects such as drowsiness and dry mouth.
Immunotherapy: receiving allergy shots to gradually decrease sensitivity and build immunity to the things that cause allergy symptoms. Allergy shots often reduce and can eliminate the need to take medication and are recommended when patients don’t respond well to medications, experience side-effects from medications or are exposed to an allergen year-round.
"People often overlook immunotherapy but they should be aware that this treatment option is very effective, particularly for patients who continue to suffer despite medications," Dr. Blaiss said. "The treatment also is often less expensive than relying on medications every day and in many cases, the shots eventually can be discontinued, along with the allergy medications, and the immunity maintained."
The ACAAI provides the following survival tips to help allergy sufferers breathe easier this spring.
• When possible, avoid or limit exposure to the allergy-causing substance.
• Be ready for allergy season. Plants and trees pollinate in predictable order every year. Antihistamines and other medications taken before exposure to allergy-causing substances can help prevent an outbreak of symptoms.
• Air condition your car and home and keep your windows closed to keep the pollen out. Clean air conditioning units often to prevent mold growth.
• Avoid windy weather. It can aggravate allergies.
• Wear glasses or sunglasses when outdoors to keep pollen from irritating the eyes.
• Wash hands often and rinse eyes with cool water after coming indoors to remove clinging pollen. Wash hair at night to prevent pollens from getting into bedding.
• Take a vacation at the beach during peak allergy seasons. Ocean breezes can help clear away pollen and relieve allergy symptoms.
"By increasing awareness of all allergy treatment options, we hope people will find the ones that are the most effective and best suited to their lifestyle," Dr. Blaiss said. "The end result will allow them to control their allergies, rather than letting their allergies control them."
The ACAAI is a professional medical organization comprising 4,963 qualified allergists-immunologists and related health care professionals. The College is dedicated to the clinical practice of allergy, asthma and immunology through education and research to promote the highest quality of patient care.