Sneezing. Runny nose. Nasal congestion. Watery, itchy eyes. Itchy throat. All may be  unpleasant -- and sometimes almost unbearable -- signs of an allergy attack. 

Thousands of ordinary substances, commonly called "allergens," may trigger an allergy attack.   Common culprits may include plant pollens, molds, household dust (dust mites), animal dander, industrial chemicals, foods, medicines and insect stings.  

Allergic reactions may occur anywhere in the body, and often appear in the skin, eyes, lining of the stomach, nose, sinuses, throat and lungs -- places where special immune system cells are stationed to fight off invaders that are inhaled, swallowed or come in contact with the skin.

Some of the most common allergies are to airborne substances, such as pollen and molds. Common symptoms to allergies of airborne substances may include:

·        Sneezing often accompanied by a runny or clogged nose

·        Coughing or postnasal drip

·        Itching eyes, nose and throat

·        Allergic shiners (dark circles under the eyes caused by increased blood flow near the sinuses)

·        The “allergic salute” (in a child, persistent upward rubbing of the nose that causes a crease mark on the nose

·        Watering eyes

·        Conjunctivitis (an inflammation of the membrane that lines the eyelids, causing red-rimmed, swollen eyes and crusting of the eyelids)

People with allergy symptoms, such as a runny nose, may at first suspect they have a cold -- but the “cold” lingers on. It’s important to see a doctor about any respiratory illness that lasts longer than a week or two. When it appears that the symptoms are caused by an allergy, the patient should see a physician who understands the diagnosis and treatment of allergies.

There are three general approaches to helping people with allergies: advice on ways to avoid the allergen as much as possible, prescription medication to relieve symptoms and providing a series of allergy shots. Although there is no cure for allergies, one of these strategies, or a combination of the three, may provide varying degrees of relief from allergy symptoms. Following are some tips on how to live with seasonal allergies:

Avoidance

·        Remain indoors in the morning, especially when the outdoor pollen levels are highest. Sunny, windy days can be especially troublesome.

·        If you have to work outdoors, wear a face mask designed to filter pollen out of the air and keep it from reaching your nasal passages.

·        Avoid locations that are dry and dusty or where crops are being harvested.

·        Dust-proof your bedroom by avoiding wall-to-wall carpets, venetian blinds, down-filled blankets, feather pillows, heating vents with forced air, dogs, cats and closets full of clothing.

·        Reduce the amount of dust mites by dusting frequently with a damp cloth or oiled mop.

·        Lower the level of cat allergens (if you own a cat and you just can’t say good-bye) by bathing the cat weekly and brush it more frequently.

·        Use a vacuum cleaner with a high-efficiency filter.

·        Use air conditioners inside the home or in a car to help prevent pollen and mold allergens from entering. Ask an allergy specialist to suggest which kind of filter is best for your home.

Medications

For people who find they cannot adequately avoid airborne allergens, the symptoms may be controlled with medications. Your physician can prescribe antihistamines and topical nasal steroids -- either of which may be used alone or in combination. Many antihistamines and decongestants are also available without a prescription.

·        Antihistamines counter the effects of histamine, which is released by the mast cells in the body’s tissues and contributes to allergy symptoms. They can be useful in relieving sneezing and itching in the nose, throat and eyes, and in helping to reduce nasal swelling and drainage. However, some antihistamines may cause side effects such as drowsiness and loss of alertness and coordination. You should always let your doctor know what other medications you are taking to avoid drug interference.

·        Topical nasal steroids are anti-inflammatory drugs that help to stop the allergic reaction. In addition to other beneficial actions, they help to reduce the number of mast cells in the nose and reduce mucus secretion and nasal swelling.

·        Decongestants can help re-establish drainage of the nasal passages to relieve symptoms such as congestion, swelling, excess secretions and discomfort in the sinus areas that can be caused by nasal allergies. Keep in mind, over-the-counter and prescription decongestant nose drops and sprays should not be used for more than a few days. When used for longer periods, these drugs may lead to even more congestion and swelling of the nasal passages.

·        Immunotherapy, or a series of allergy shots, is a treatment that has a chance of reducing the allergy symptoms over a longer period of time. Patients receive injections under the skin of increasing concentrations of the allergen(s) to which they are sensitive. These injections reduce the amount of IgE antibodies in the blood and cause the body to make a protective antibody called IgG. You doctor will decide if this method is right for you.

If you suspect you’re suffering from allergies, see your doctor about diagnosis and treatment options for you.  For referral to a physician near Doctors Hospital of Manteca, please call our Physician Referral Line at  1-800-470-7229 or click on the “Find a Physician” page at www.doctorsmanteca.com.