(Springtime Allergies first appeared in the Public Opinion Newspaper in April 2015.)
Allergy season is here – are you prepared? Genia Greenland, CRNP at Keystone Urgent Care in Chambersburg shares what you need to know about seasonal allergies, medication options available, and when to see a doctor.
Allergy
An allergy happens when your immune system reacts to something in your environment that is normally considered harmless. The medical condition caused by springtime allergies is called allergic rhinitis. Most springtime allergens come from pollens which are tiny powdery grains released from flowering plants such as trees, weeds, and grasses. Pollen is carried by the wind and can end up in a person’s eyes, nose, lungs, and on skin.
Symptoms
In Franklin County, Juniper, Maple and Elm trees are pollenating. Since plants usually pollenate in spring and fall, this is when the pollen allergen levels are at their highest causing inflammation, mucus production, and congestion. Symptoms include runny nose, sneezing, nasal congestion, nasal itching, watery, itchy or burning eyes, throat and ear itching or burning. Post nasal drainage, cough and fatigue are other common symptoms.
Treatment
There are three ways to treat allergy symptoms: avoidance, medications (over-the-counter and prescription), and allergy shots. Avoidance measures include staying indoors when possible, keeping house and car windows closed, using air conditioners to help filter air, wearing masks when working outdoors, and showering at night to keep pollens out of the bed. Since pollens are hard to avoid, most spring allergies need medications to treat.
Medications
Medications are the mainstay treatment for springtime allergies. Nasal steroid sprays are generally the most effective medications to treat spring allergies. Other options include oral antihistamines, combination oral antihistamine and decongestants, saline nasal irrigations, mast cell stabilizers, and nasal decongestant sprays. Most people require multiple medications to effectively treat all their symptoms. If these don’t help, other medications are available by prescription by your health care provider.
Complications
A complication of allergic rhinitis is bacterial sinusitis. Inflammation associated with allergies can cause obstruction of the sinuses setting up the perfect environment for bacteria to grow. Symptoms of this infection include puss-like nasal or post nasal drainage, sinus pain, possible tooth pain, fever above 102 degrees, and symptoms that last more than 10 days despite allergy treatment. Treating your symptoms of allergic rhinitis right away and diligently can often prevent an infection from happening.
For more information about Keystone Urgent Care, click here.
This article contains general information only and should not be used as a substitute for professional diagnosis, treatment or care by a qualified health care provider.
