To Your Health

Have you been suffering from extra congestion lately? It could be seasonal allergies.

David Solondz, M.D.

Family medicine and acupuncture
Providence Medical Group–Cascade
503-215-6480

Seasonal allergies are immune reactions to pollens, molds or other triggers that are present for only one season or only part of the year. They cause millions of Americans to suffer with symptoms such as itchy eyes and noses, headaches, sore throats and sneezing. These symptoms can range from being an unpleasant nuisance for many to causing serious health issues for those with additional health conditions such as asthma. For many allergy sufferers, a combination of preventive steps and treatments can alleviate symptoms.

Cold or allergy?

Symptoms of seasonal allergies and colds are often very similar, and distinguishing between the two can be difficult. However, there are differences. The most important is when and for how long the symptoms occur. Cold symptoms appear over the course of a few days, typically starting with sneezing and then a runny nose, and last for about a week. Seasonal allergy symptoms tend to occur all at once and to persist until the allergen is removed.

Colds often produce a significant amount of mucus, which may be yellow, while seasonal allergies generally produce a clear, watery nasal discharge. Sneezing is more common with seasonal allergies, and colds may be accompanied by a fever. Colds tend to be more common during winter months. Seasonal allergies can occur year-round, but are more common when plants are pollinating.

‘Tis the season

Seasonal allergies occur most often during the spring, summer and fall months, when most plants are pollinating and exposure is greatest. Spring allergies often result from tree pollen. Some weeds also pollinate during the spring. Grass pollen peaks during the summer. In the fall months, the main source of seasonal allergies is weed pollen.

Unlike many other allergens, pollen is nearly impossible to avoid without staying indoors. Some allergy sufferers may find relief by moving to another geographic area, but others find they soon develop reactions to the types of pollens that circulate in the new location.

Seasonal allergies can also be caused by mold spores, which become airborne and are inhaled. Mold spore reactions may occur throughout the year but are more common in the summer and fall months. Determining the time frame of seasonal allergy symptoms, when they begin and end, can provide a helpful clue for diagnosing the specific allergen responsible for causing symptoms. Allergy testing is sometimes performed to identify the allergen.

Prevention

The first line of defense for seasonal allergies is avoiding exposure to the responsible pollens or mold. Remain indoors as much as possible between 5 a.m. and 10 a.m., when pollen levels tend to be highest. Keep windows and doors closed to prevent pollen or mold spores from entering, and use air filters whenever possible. Machine-dry your bedding and laundry to prevent contamination with pollen. And, avoid mowing the lawn when pollen levels are peaking.

Treatment

Sometimes it’s impossible to avoid what is causing the allergic reaction. In these cases, treatments ranging from over-the-counter antihistamines to allergen immunotherapy, or allergy shots, may be used to reduce the body’s sensitivity to the allergen. Contact your Providence Medical Group clinic for an appointment if you have questions about treating seasonal allergies.

www.providence.org/pmg

Hear Dr. Solondz being interviewed about allergies on KXL radio