Up to 40 percent of people suffer from spring allergies – and the culprit is more irritating than ever, according to Dr. Christina Ciaccio, Chief of Children’s Allergies and Immunology at the University of Chicago Medical Center.
“Climate warming and increased CO2 levels favor the pollen season that start earlier,” she says. “And it’s a more powerful pollen. It seems more activated by our immune system.”
Ciaccio shares tips for setting spring.
Dr. Christina Ciaccio.
David Christopher/Uchicago medicine
What pollen is the allergy triggers?
“Plants polluted with insects, such as apple or cherry trees, don’t mind,” says Dr. Ciaccio. “This pollen does not enter the air the same way. The trees pollinated by the wind, such as oak or elm, are a problem. The pollen is designed to cap into the wind and then inhale it, so they are those who cause problems.”
How should we treat symptoms?
“Nasal steroids are the most effective drugs. There is a lot of version across the counter. [Flonase and Nasonex are two brands available.] And antihistamines, those who last 12 to 24 hours. These are the second generation antihistamines, unlike the first generation that lasted four to six hours and was very sedating. We do not recommend people to take the antihistamine of the first generation. Antihistamines work within 15 minutes to an hour from when you take them, so you can only take them in your bad days. If you have bad allergies, you can also take nasal steroids and antihistamines together. ”
What is the best relief for itchy eyes?
“Shower can help. You can put a cold, wet with a washing cloth on your eyes and gently squeeze a cloth to irrigate pollen. And there are shiny eye drops without a prescription. My advice is if you keep them in the refrigerator, it’s even more soothing when you put them in your eyes.”
Can dogs and cats get seasonal allergies like their owners? Fits a veterinary technician
How do you know it’s an allergy, not a flu?
“Allergies should not cause fever. If you have a fever, it is advice, it is probably an infection. And most of the time it is an allergy, the prevailing symptom is itching. We do not see that with infection so much. If you really scratch your nose and eyes, it is much more an allergy indicator, especially alegiating.”
Do air purifiers help?
“I don’t think there is good evidence that it is worth spending money on such devices. Pollen agrees quickly. One exception is if you are a cat allergic and you have cats, we see the benefit of these filters, but otherwise not so much.”
Some turn the honey pollen or bees to treat symptoms. Does that work?
“Theoretically, bee pollen or honey make sense, except that they actually have a wrong pollen in them. It is from plants polluted with insects, and they are not those who cause problems. There are very little damage in it, but we also don’t think there is much benefit to it.”
What should you avoid?
“Nasal decongestments. You can have a jump effect. You really shouldn’t use them for more than a few days. If you have an allergy season and use them all season, when you try to stop it, then it’s almost like you are addicted to it and you can’t stop. People can encounter problems with that.”
Should we just stay inside?
“Some people have to include air conditioning and seal windows during a highly relaxed season, but we don’t discourage people out there, especially children. We want them to play outside at any time of the year, they can play outside. We would rather recommend some medication so that they can go out and take a walk and perform, not on the way out.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(755x451:757x453)/Acetaminophen-nasal-spray-neti-pot-032125-a3e7daf3574249e39b73815abec91ae6.jpg)
Antihistamines, nasal spray and net pot can help combat allergy symptoms.
Getty
What should you keep in your allergy care kit?
“Oral antihistamines: Claritin, Zyrtec, Allegra and Xyzal are the most common, but generics are also fine. Some are a little stronger and more likely to rely on. You can watch you, and some are much less sedation, but maybe a little weaker. Generally, depending on, It tolerated in general. [like a neti pot]: Using salty water can clean pollen from your sinuses and can help a lot. ”
Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education