Allergy Tips

I know I'm not the only one suffering right now from Allergies. I thought I would blog this topic!

                       Your Allergies & the Weather

Wind

Wind plays a large role in determining how much your allergies will act up. Windy conditions cause greater pollen and mold distribution and that leads to an increase in allergy symptoms. Plant pollens carried by the wind are the cause of most nose, eye, and lung allergic reactions. Hay fever sufferers seem to be especially affected by windy, dry conditions.

Rain

Rain can bring welcome relief for allergy sufferers, if it rains heavy enough that is. Light rain does little to reduce the pollen in the air. On the other hand, a good heavy rain can clean the air for the hours during and after it falls. In the springtime, rain can help reduce tree pollen counts. However, wet conditions trigger grass growth, and consequently, more grass pollen in the late spring and early summer. Rain in the fall or winter can lead to greater tree pollen counts the following spring.

Smog

Air pollution has been shown to worsen allergies and asthma symptoms. Recent research has also shown that ozone can cause a chronic inflammation of the airways for asthma sufferers. The effects of pollutants are usually not felt by those affected until one or two days after exposure. Some scientists also believe that exposure to diesel engine exhaust can increase a person's sensitivity to pollen or dust mites

Pollen Hot Spots as of 03-10-12

Tree

Daytona Beach FL-HIGH

Henderson NV-HIGH

Santa Ana CA-HIGH

Tulsa OK-HIGH

Pearl MS-HIGH

Swisher IA-HIGH

Charlotte NC-HIGH

Colorado Springs CO-HIGH

Council IA-VERY HIGH

Grass

Houston TX-Moderate 

Fort Smith AR-NONE

Tulsa OK-NONE

Atlanta GA-Moderate

Lafayette LA-Moderate 

Santa Clara-Low

Boston MA-Low

Charlotte NC-Low

Daytona Beach-Low 

Allergy Treatments: Hay Fever Medications

Oral Anti-Histamines

This is the most common class of medications used for allergic rhinitis. The first generation anti-histamines, which includes Benadryl®, are generally considered too sedating for routine use. These medications have been shown to affect work performance and alter a person's ability to operate an automobile.

Newer, second-generation anti-histamines have now become first-line therapy for people with allergic rhinitis. These prescription medications include cetirizine (Zyrtec®), fexofenadine (Allegra®), and desloratadine (Clarinex®). Loratadine (Claritin®, Alavert® and generic forms) is now available over the counter.

These medications have the advantage of being relatively inexpensive, easy for people to take, start working within a few hours, and therefore can be given on an "as needed" basis. The medications are particularly good at treating sneezing, runny nose, and itching of the nose as a result of allergic rhinitis. Side effects are rare, and include a low-rate of sedation or sleepiness, but much less than the first-generation anti-histamines.

Topical Nasal Steroids

This class of allergy medications is probably the most effective at treating nasal allergies, as well as non-allergic rhinitis. There are numerous topical nasal steroids on the market and are all available by prescription. Some people note that one smells or tastes better than another, but they all work about the same. This group of medications includes:

• fluticasone (Flonase®)
• mometasone (Nasonex®)
• budesonide (Rhinocort Aqua®)
• flunisolide (Nasarel®)
• triamcinolone (Nasacort AQ®)
• beclomethasone (Beconase AQ®)

Nasal steroids are excellent at controlling allergic rhinitis symptoms. However, the sprays need to be used daily for best effect and therefore don't work well as needed. Side effects are mild and limited to nasal irritation and nose bleeds. The use of these nasal sprays should be stopped if irritation or bleeding is persistent or severe.

Other Prescription Nasal Sprays

There are two other prescription nasal sprays available: a nasal anti-histamine, and a nasal anti-cholinergic. The anti-histamine, azelastine (Astelin®), is effective at treating allergic and non-allergic rhinitis. It treats all nasal symptoms similar to nasal steroids and should be used routinely for best effect. Side effects are generally mild and include local nasal irritation and some reports of sleepiness, as it is a first-generation anti-histamine.

Nasal ipratropium (Atrovent nasal®) works to dry up nasal secretions, and is indicated at treating allergic rhinitis, non-allergic rhinitis, and symptoms of the common cold. It works great at treating a "drippy nose", but will not treat nasal itching or nasal congestion symptoms. Side effects are mild and typically include local nasal irritation and dryness.

Over-the-Counter Nasal Sprays

This group includes cromolyn nasal spray (NasalCrom®) and topical decongestants such as oxymetazoline (Afrin®) and phenylephrine (Neo-Synephrine®). Cromolyn works by preventing allergic rhinitis symptoms only if used before exposure to allergic triggers. This medication therefore does not work on an as-needed basis.

Topical decongestants are helpful in treating nasal congestion. These medications should be used for limited periods of three days every two-four weeks; otherwise there can be a rebound/worsening of nasal congestion called rhinitis medicamentosa.

The side effects of the above are both generally mild and include local nasal irritation and bleeding, but topical decongestants should be used with caution in patients with heart or blood pressure problems.

Oral Decongestants

Oral decongestants, with or without oral anti-histamines, are useful medications in the treatment of nasal congestion in people with allergic rhinitis. This class of medications includes pseudoephrine (Sudafed®), phenylephrine, and numerous combination products. Decongestant/anti-histamine combination products (such as Allegra-D®, Zyrtec-D®, Clarinex-D® and Claritin-D® are indicated for treating allergic rhinitis in people 12 years of age and older.

This class of medication works well for occasional and as-needed use, but side effects with long-term use can include insomnia, headaches, elevated blood pressure, rapid heart rate, and nervousness.

Leukotriene Blockers

Montelukast (Singulair®), was originally developed for asthma approximately ten years ago, and is now approved for the treatment of allergic rhinitis as well. Studies show that this medication is not as good at treating allergies as the oral anti-histamines, but may be better at treating nasal congestion. In addition, the combination of montelukast and an oral anti-histamine may be better at treating allergies than either medication alone.

Montelukast may be of particular benefit for people with mild asthma and allergic rhinitis, since it is indicated for both medical conditions. The medication must be taken daily for best effects, and usually takes a few days before it starts working. Side effects are usually mild and include headaches, abdominal pains, and fatigue.