That time of year again

By Rayma Silvers

Herald-Tribune

Itchy, watery eyes; sinus drainage and frequent sneezing, can leave some people feeling miserable during the springtime.

According to WebMD, www.webmd.com, more than 50 million people in the United States suffer the effects of allergies. For some of these people, the allergies cause them to become teary-eyed only during a certain season.

Those who suffer from allergies during the springtime, according to The Baker Clinic's physician's assistant Kelly Seifert, might have allergies to trees and pollen. Even if an allergy sufferer does not have trees in his or her yard, he or she might still suffer the effects of an allergic reaction. Seifert explained that, especially on windy days, pollen and allergens can float through the air for miles.

According to allergies.about.com, pollen in the air are usually the main cause of seasonal allergies. These pollens can fall on a person, causing an allergic reaction. In addition, the pollen counts in the air can vary from day to day. Also, pollen levels in different cities varies and are generally higher in the early morning, the About.com Web

site said.

"Pollens are tiny egg-shaped powdery grains released from flowering plants, which are carried by the wind or insects, and serve to cross-pollinate other plants of the same type for reproductive purposes. When pollen is present in the air, it can land in a person's eyes, nose, lungs and skin to set up an allergic reaction...," About.com said.

Seifert said the list of symptoms for seasonal allergies is quite long with some of the most common symptoms being itchy, watery eyes; sneezing; clear running nose; cough and congestion; in addition to headaches and sinus pressure. Adding that not every allergy sufferer will experience all of the symptoms. Some people who have seasonal allergies may only experience one or two symptoms on the list, he said.

Often, Seifert said, sometimes patients do not know how to tell if they are really sick or are merely suffering the effects of allergens. One way to tell the difference, Seifert said, is to check for the presence of a fever. He said that usually allergies are not accompanied by a fever. Any allergy sufferer who begins to run a fever should contact his or her regular physician Seifert said.

According to Seifert, the onset of allergies can happen to anyone at any age from children to senior citizens. Typically, he said, those with allergies will have years, in which their symptoms are slight. Other years, however, the effects of the allergens will cause them great suffering.

There are three ways that an allergy sufferer could help themselves to feel better during allergy season, Seifert said. The first way, which is not always possible, is to completely avoid the allergen. My Allergy Network.com offers some recommendations to avoiding allergens during allergy season. Since many seasonal allergy sufferers are allergic to pollens and molds, My Allergy Network suggests that those who are affected by pollen keep their windows and doors shut at home. This will help keep the pollens and molds out a person's eyes and nose while they are at home. Also, sufferers should consider using the air conditionings in their vehicles in stead of rolling down car windows. In addition, My Allergy Network suggests that anyone who may react to outdoor allergens time outside activities to occur after the mid-morning hours.

Seifert said that the second way for allergy sufferers to find relief is through the use of medications. Warning that patients should be careful when choosing an over-the-counter antihistamine. Although the antihistamine will alleviate some of the symptoms, Seifert said that some of the medications will cause drowsiness. With these types of medications, the allergy sufferer may not be able to operate a vehicle while taking the drug. There are, however, a couple of over-the-counter antihistamines that do not cause drowsiness, he said. Also, residents who find themselves burdened with the effects of allergens may benefit from the use of a steroid nasal spray, Seifert said.

For some people, allergies may be relieved through the use of allergy injections. For this method of treatment, Seifert said that an allergy test must first be performed. There are two ways to test a patient for allergies, according to Seifert. One method of allergy testing is completed through a blood test. The other allergy testing method is a skin test. Seifert said that both methods have their advantages, and his office administers both types of tests. After the physician determines what a person is allergic to, a medication recipe specific to that person's needs is created. The shots, according to Seifert, produce a blocking antibody. Through a series of shots, the blocking antibody builds up and helps to prevent allergic reactions. Seifert said that the allergy shot work really well for some people; whereas, others respond better to oral medications and nasal sprays.

To find out more about allergies or possible treatments, residents should contact their family physician or call the Baker Clinic at (620) 223- 5350.