No cure for allergies, but relief is possible

Jun. 24—The summer months bring sunshine and warm weather, but they also usher in sneezing, coughing, and other allergy-like symptoms.

Mark Perdue, Northeastern State University Physician Assistant Program director, said some of the most common allergy symptoms are nasal congestion, sneezing, runny nose, persistent coughing, and eyes itching and swelling.

"Allergens are particles that are released into the ambient air, and when inhaled, stimulate an allergic response," Perdue said. "Allergens can include outdoor sources, such as pollens, as well as indoor sources, such as pet dander and dust. These particles can all stimulate an allergic response that initially affects the nasal mucosa or the moist inner lining of the nose."

Perdue said people often start experiencing seasonal allergy symptoms in the summer and spring, which coincides with pollen being released from trees and flowers. Dr. Yahya Ahmad said allergies often surface from the end of March and sometimes last until November.

"In the fall, ragweed becomes more prominent and also causes allergy symptoms," Perdue said. "After the freezing temperatures associated with winter, seasonal allergies recede, but many patients experience allergies in the winter as well. Allergy symptoms in the winter can be associated with 'indoor allergies' and are frequently cause by indoor allergens, such as pet dander, mites, dust, and the particulate matter spread by unclean air vents."

Ahmad said those with allergies have a 40% chance of having asthma symptoms and vice versa. Those who smoke or are exposed to secondhand smoke often experience allergy symptoms, as well. Ahmad said people can have triggers when it comes to allergies, with some of them being cologne, perfume, spices, other kitchen products, and various cosmetics.

Perdue said indoor allergies can be reduced by removing the source of the allergen from a home, but avoiding seasonal allergies is not quite as simple due to the area.

"Such measures will include maintaining a clean home environment, cleaning and maintaining air vents, reducing the accumulation of pet dander and prohibiting pets from sleeping in someone's bed if they experience allergy symptoms," Perdue said.

Heather Winn, Cherokee County OSU Extension Office family and consumer science educator, has personal experiences with allergies, as her youngest son, Ross, dealt with allergies so serious they required shots in the past. And he had to stay away from his triggers.

Some of the recommendations her family were given from the National Jewish Health Center included keeping stuffed animals, drapes, and window coverings out of his bedroom.

"We had to think about all of the things in the house. We changed from carpet to wood floors or tile because his allergies were pretty bad. We don't ever open our windows," Winn said. "You know how on nice, cool days you like to open your windows, and it feels like it freshens the house up? We've never been able to do that since we've had him, because if the wind is blowing, it can pick up whatever kinds of things are in the air, which can be blown from miles and miles away."

Winn said this is why, on windy days, most people may have allergy flareups, while rainy days actually help push the allergens down and make the flareups decrease. Those wanting to keep an eye out for high allergen days can do so by looking at weather apps or searching the daily allergen forecast.

Taking oral and nasal allergy medication is a must when dealing with the symptoms, but Ahmad said there is no prevention unless people take certain steps to stay away from triggers.

Tammy York, Tahlequah Drug Co. staff pharmacist, said to help with allergy symptoms, people will often need an antihistamine. York said there are non-drowsy formulas available over the counter.

"The drowsy formulas tend to work better, but most people can't take those during they day, so they take them at bedtime," York said.

Flonase, a steroid nasal spray, and Astepro, an antihistamine nasal spray, are two medications that can help with the symptoms. Antihistamine/decongestant combinations, like Zyrtec-D, are also medications that can help give some more relief. York said those dealing with persistent and extensive allergies should go to a doctor, as they might need shots.

"If someone experiences allergies despite appropriate preventative measures and treatment, they should consider referral to an allergy specialist," Perdue said. "An allergist can help explore the possible underlying causes for chronic or severe allergies and provide solutions for management."