For people living
with seasonal allergies, these symptoms can cause miserable suffering in the
spring, summer or fall. Two of the most common culprits are
tree and grass pollen, but mold spores, pet dander, tobacco smoke, household
dust, and other irritants in your indoor and outdoor environments also can
bring on the symptoms of allergies.

Allergic
reactions occur after pollen or another type of allergen is inhaled. This
triggers the body’s immune system to produce antibodies to defend against the
irritating substance. With the body’s immune system in defense mode, certain
chemical changes take place, such as the release of histamine into the
bloodstream, which starts the chain reaction of symptoms.

When
treating seasonal allergies, your doctor may use a three-part plan of attack:

1. Reducing exposure to allergens — With pollen,
the best defense is staying indoors with the windows shut. If you must venture
outside, a mask may provide protection against most pollen. Pollen counts are
highest in early morning and late afternoon, so avoiding the outdoors during
these times also may help. Dusting and vacuuming your home regularly,
keeping pets out of your bedroom, and washing your bedding regularly can
minimize exposure to indoor allergy triggers. If someone in your home has
severe allergies, consider replacing wall-to-wall carpeting with hardwood
flooring.

2. Controlling symptoms through medication —
Prescription and over-the-counter antihistamines may provide temporary relief
of your sinus symptoms.

3. Desensitizing with immunotherapy, or allergy
shots — Long-term therapy designed to build immunity to specific allergens.

People
with seasonal allergies may be at increased risk for sinusitis, an infection or
inflammation of the nasal cavities. In a healthy person, mucus (the protective
secretion of nasal and sinus membranes) drains from the sinuses into the nasal
passages. Allergies can make the lining of the sinuses swollen and irritated,
blocking drainage. This can cause headaches, sinus pain, pressure, nasal
congestion, and sinus infections. A doctor can diagnose sinusitis (versus a
cold or seasonal allergies) and develop an appropriate treatment plan for your
specific symptoms.

Food
Allergies

After eating certain foods, many children and adults experience allergic
reactions, such as skin hives or rashes, diarrhea, or difficulties with
breathing or swallowing. According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma
& Immunology (AAAAI), 12 million Americans live with food allergies. Tree
nuts (such as pecans or walnuts), peanuts, wheat, fish and shellfish, and milk
protein are the most common causes of food allergies. Doctors usually use a
blood test or a skin-prick test, along with a review of medical history and
symptoms, to reach a diagnosis of food allergies. Food allergies cannot be
cured, but childhood food allergies often can be outgrown. To prevent an
allergic response, it’s important to eliminate
trigger foods from your diet. Carefully read food labels when shopping for
groceries and ask questions about ingredients and how meals are prepared when
eating in a restaurant or at someone else’s home.

If
you or a loved one is suffering from environmental or food allergies, talk to
your primary care provider about your symptoms and what approach to treatment
is best for you. You also can try the online symptom tracker offered by the
AAAAI -- The Virtual
Allergist™. A food allergy quick
reference guide also is available from the Food Allergy
Initiative.

*Joshua Feinberg, D.O., is a
family medicine physician in practice at the Crozer Health Pavilion,
145 Brinton Lake Road, Suite 201, Glen Mills,
PA 19342, 610-459-1619.

About Crozer Keystone Staff

Crozer-Keystone Health System’s physicians, specialists and advanced practitioners are committed to improving the health of our community through patient-centered, quality care across a full continuum of health services. Crozer Brinton Lake is Crozer-Keystone’s comprehensive outpatient care facility in western Delaware County, offering primary care, specialty services, outpatient surgery and advanced cancer treatment. Contact us: 300 Evergreen Drive, Glen Mills, PA 19342 http://www.crozerkeystone.org/Brinton-Lake 1-855-254-7425

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