Each spring, about 25 percent of Atlantans suffer from nasal congestion, sneezing, itchy/watery eyes and runny noses resulting from seasonal allergies.
For some, the sneezing began in February as unseasonably warm weather produced high pollen counts that sparked a flurry of symptoms.
Atlanta ranked 10th in 2007 among cities where the challenge is greatest for living with spring allergies, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, a nonprofit that ranks "allergy capitals." The rankings are based on pollen scores, number of allergy specialists per patient and number of medications used per patient.
The primary culprits for springtime allergies are pine, sweet gum, elm, birch and oak. (Trees such as dogwoods and rosebuds often produce visible pollens that dust cars, driveways and windowsills but seldom cause allergy symptoms.) Pollen counts as low as 50 can trigger symptoms in some people.
Like parent, like child
The symptoms that annoy parents can also plague their children as 40 percent of youngsters experience seasonal allergies.
Children are genetically predisposed to allergies, so if one or more parents suffer, the child may suffer, too. Environmental factors and underdeveloped immune systems also contribute to the higher prevalence in children, although an immunological cause has not yet been revealed, said Robert Harrison, a pediatrician with Children's Healthcare of Atlanta.
Allergies in children usually occur by age 3 or 4 but can develop as early as age 2. In addition to common symptoms such as nasal congestion, runny nose and watery eyes, parents should also be aware of constant eye and nose rubbing and dark circles under the eyes.
Minimize the child's exposure to outside allergens, and control your home environment by replacing rugs and carpet with hardwood flooring and using high-efficiency air filters.
If symptoms persist, consult a doctor because over-the-counter medications are not advised for children.
"We recommend against self-medication," said Harrison, noting that commonly used medicines such as Benadryl make children very sleepy. "If you think your child may be allergic, take them to the doctor and get an appropriate treatment."
Alternative remedies
Alternative therapy is medical treatment for which there is no conclusive, supporting scientific evidence. You simply must be careful in what you choose and how you use it.
> Acupuncture. A technique that involves inserting needles into key points of the body. May help people with allergies feel more relaxed or calm breathing.
> Biofeedback. A technique that helps people control involuntary physical responses. Results are mixed, with children and teenagers showing the greatest benefit.
> Chiropractic spinal manipulation. A technique that emphasizes manipulation of the spine in order to help the body heal itself.
> Hypnosis. An artificially induced dream state that leaves the person open to suggestion, hypnosis might give people with allergies more self-discipline to follow good health practices.
> Laser treatment. A technique that uses high-intensity light to shrink swollen tissue or unblock sinuses. Laser therapy may provide temporary relief, but it may also cause scarring or other long-term physical problems.
> Massage, relaxation techniques, art/music therapy, yoga. Stress and anxiety may cause your airways to constrict more if you have asthma or allergies. Various techniques can help you relax, reduce anxiety or control your breathing, but there is no conclusive evidence that these techniques improve lung function.
Source: Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America
CLIP 'N' KEEP!
Treating the symptoms
Although the symptoms of seasonal allergies feel disabling, they should not kill you, says Alpen Patel, an allergy specialist at Emory Crawford Long Hospital. He offers some of the preferred treatments for common symptoms. You should consult your doctor if you're taking other medications and if symptoms persist.
IF YOU HAVE: Runny nose
BEST BET (EXAMPLES): Nasal saline (Ocean nasal spray), nasal steroid spray (prescription only, Flonaz, Veramyst) BE CAREFUL OF: Headaches, nasal irritation and dryness
IF YOU HAVE: Congestion
BEST BET (EXAMPLES): Nasal saline (NeilMed, Neti Pot), nasal steroid spray (prescription only, Flonaz, Veramyst) BE CAREFUL OF: Headaches, nasal irritation and dryness
IF YOU HAVE: Watery/itchy eyes
BEST BET (EXAMPLES): Topical antihistamine eyedrops (prescription, Patanol), oral antihistamines (Claritin, Benadryl) BE CAREFUL OF: Drowsiness, dry mouth, blurry vision
IF YOU HAVE: Sneezing
BEST BET (EXAMPLES): Nasal saline (NeilMed, Neti Pot), nasal steroid spray BE CAREFUL OF: Headaches, nasal irritation and dryness
IF YOU HAVE: Sore throat
BEST BET (EXAMPLES): Oral antihistamine with decongestant (Claritin D, Zyrtec D) BE CAREFUL OF: Drowsiness, dry mouth
IF YOU HAVE: Coughing
BEST BET (EXAMPLES): Oral antihistamine with decongestant (Claritin D, Zyrtec D) BE CAREFUL OF: Drowsiness, dry mouth
IF YOU HAVE: Wheezing
BEST BET (EXAMPLES): Beta 2 agnostic inhaler (Albuterol), oral steroid inhaler (prescription) BE CAREFUL OF: Heart palpitations, tremors, sore throat, oral thrush
IF YOU HAVE: Headache, pain, pressure
BEST BET (EXAMPLES): Nasal saline (Ocean nasal spray, Neti Pot), topical or oral decongestant (Afrin, Sudafed) BE CAREFUL OF: Drowsiness, poor/bitter taste
IF YOU HAVE: Multiple symptoms
BEST BET (EXAMPLES): Nasal saline (Ocean nasal spray, Neti Pot), nasal steroid spray (prescription), oral antihistamine plus decongestant, if needed (Claritin D, Zyrtec D) BE CAREFUL OF: Headaches, nasal bleeding, drowsiness, dry mouth, blurry vision
Source: Alpen Patel
General tips
You can't live your life in a bubble, so here are some basic precautions you can take to minimize exposure:
> Keep windows closed at night to prevent pollens or mold from drifting into your home. Instead, if needed, use air conditioning, which cleans, cools and dries the air.
> Install high-efficiency filters in your cooling and heating system.
> Minimize outdoor activity between 5 and 10 a.m. when pollen is usually emitted.
> Try to stay indoors when the pollen count or humidity is high and on windy days when dust and pollen are blowing about.
> Keep your car windows closed when traveling.
> Take a shower after spending time outside because pollen can collect on hair and skin.
> Remove rugs, carpet and upholstered furniture. If not, dust and vacuum frequently.
> Don't hang sheets or clothing outside to dry where pollen can collect on them.
> Avoid cigarette smoke.
Source: American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology
Copyright 2008 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution