Ellen Campbell -Grizzle Easter time ushers in the 'sniffles' season for many allergy sufferers. This year, experts are predicting that this season will be more troublesome because of very high pollen counts.
Estimates are that one in every four persons worldwide suffers from allergic rhinitis or hay fever. No one knows why some people develop allergies but heredity seems to play a role in their development. Symptoms range from itchy eyes, mouth and throat to sneezing, nasal congestion and coughing.
Although allergic rhinitis and hay fever commonly refer to reactions caused by pollens, other airborne substances that you inhale, such as moulds and animal dander, can produce the same symptoms. Dust harbours these offenders and may also contain irritating fibres from fabrics, upholstery and carpet. These substances can trigger asthma attacks. Some persons also suffer from drug, food and insect bite sensitivities.
Reach for antihistamines
Antihistamines usually remedy the symptoms of allergic rhinitis and hay fever. These medicines counteract the histamine chemicals that cause allergic reactions. For people with hard-to-treat allergies, doctors may recommend other treatments. Immunotherapy or allergy injections are used for more severe conditions. These shots are administered as a vaccine against specific allergens in order for the patient to build up immunity over a course of time.
Also, there are some useful vitamins and minerals that you can use to boost the immune system. These include vitamin C, B-5, B-6, A and carotenoids. It is interesting to note that carotenoids are considered to be the building blocks of vitamin A. Your product label may list beta-carotene and others including alpha-carotene, gamma-carotene, lutein and lycopene. The herb echinacea is widely promoted to help in the reduction of allergic symptoms and the building up of immunity.
Cautionary note
Ask your pharmacist to help you to determine the best combination for you especially if you are taking other medicines. You should not take echinacea if you are allergic to plants in the sunflower pharmacy. If you must use a decongestant, ensure that you do so for the limited period recommended. Some antihistamines cause drowsiness and may affect your ability to drive and operate machinery.
Ellen Campbell-Grizzle, president, Caribbean Association of Pharmacists; director, information and research, National Council on Drug Abuse; email: yourhealth@gleanerjm.com.Twelve allergy alert tips
Here are some easy things you can do to help manage seasonal allergies:
Stay indoors early in the morning and on sunny, breezy days when pollen levels are highest.
Keep windows shut at home and in the car and run the air conditioner.
Avoid mowing the lawn or wear a face mask when working on the lawn or garden is unavoidable.
Take allergy medication at least 30 minutes before going outside.
Do some spring cleaning with a face mask on and pay close attention to the window ledges, book shelves and air conditioning.
Wash bedding weekly in hot water as it is a source of both pollen and dust mites.
Wash your hair and change your clothing at night because pollen clings to the hair and clothing.
Dry laundry indoors.
For children with dust allergies, avoid stuffed toys.
Keep pets off furniture andaway from the bedroom as they are 'pollen magnets'.
Keep an eye on your family's allergy signs and symptoms; many people mistake allergy symptoms for a cold and miss the opportunity for prompt treatment and relief.
Be prepared - before allergy season begins, consult your physician and make sure that your treatment plan is ready for the 'sniffles season'.
