Allergies are nothing to sneeze at

Tips on dealing with seasonal irritations


It’s possible to manage and even prevent the sniffles, sneezes, breathing difficulties and itchy eyes that come from allergies.

An estimated 50 million Americans suffer from allergies, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, and most think there isn’t much they can do.

But persistent allergies should be treated, not just because they are annoying but because they can lead to other conditions. While there’s no known cure for allergies, symptoms can be treated.

Here are common allergy misconceptions and advice on keeping allergies in check.

Q: Are allergies a serious health problem?

A: Yes. One of the misconceptions about allergies is that they are no big deal. But allergies disrupt the lives of sufferers and, left untreated, can lead to chronic respiratory diseases including asthma and sinusitis.

Q: What other misconceptions do people have about allergies?

A: The most common myth about allergies is that nothing can be done except put on a brave face and suffer. With some basic knowledge, the right over-thecounter regimen and a medical professional’s care, sufferers can prevent allergies or decrease the severity of symptoms.

Q: Is it possible to prevent allergies?

A: Yes. Knowing the common triggers—pollen, dust mites, mold, animal dander and cigarette smoke—and avoiding them is one of the best ways to keep allergies at bay.

Q: How can triggers be avoided?

A: For allergy triggers like dust mites, it’s important to dust and vacuum weekly and wash and change sheets often. For those who react to pet hair, simply keeping pets out of the bedroom can make a big difference. Adding an air filter to the room also will help.

Q: What about seasonal allergies?

A: One of the simplest ways people can prevent a reaction to pollen triggers is to wash their hands after being outdoors.

For people who suffer from grass allergies, studies suggest wearing a face mask and glasses while cutting the lawn or doing other yardwork.

People with severe pollen allergies may want to avoid going outside during peak pollen hours—10 a.m. to 4 p.m.—whenever possible.

In addition, some medications, over-the-counter or prescription, can be taken before allergies develop. This prevents people from suffering and having to start treatment once their airway passages are already swollen.

Q: What if prevention doesn’t work?

A: If avoiding triggers isn’t enough, a trip to the pharmacy may be in order. Antihistamines that once required prescriptions are now available over the counter.

Q: When should I see a doctor?

A: If these prevention tactics combined with nonprescription medications don’t help or if allergies are interfering too much, it’s time to see a physician for assessment.

Stock up on the following items to prevent, manage and treat allergies: Allergy-relief antihistamines, air filters to reduce dander, dehumidifier to help control mold, travel-size tissue packs, hand sanitizer, eye drops, nasal spray, and mattress and pillow covers.

Provided by North American Precis Syndicate Inc.



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