HEALTH AND WELLNESS

ALLERGIES: WHEN BEAUTIFUL CREATION CAUSE MISERY

Believe it or not, spring is almost here. What a wonderful time of year! The multi-colored flowers are blooming, the bees are buzzing from flower to flower, the birds are singing. We spend hours in our garden to make our neighbors envious of our lush plants and foliage. We take more walks with our dogs, and the dogs frolic in the grass filled dog parks. We hang out by the lake with our family and friends.

We wish for spring when we are faced with the cold, icy, dreary winter. Spring however, also brings on the sneezing, facial pressure and pain, eyes so gritty or watery that we have to remove our contact lenses, and our noses drip like a leaky faucet. Spring's beauty should be enjoyed by all, even us allergy sufferers, right? So let's get outside and enjoy the beautiful weather.

If you are one of the 35 million American who suffer from allergies, spring time can be one of the worst seasons for allergy symptoms. The pollen counts are higher, the spring rain increases the mold count, and the grass turns a magnificent shade of green and grows at an alarming rate. Pollen, mold in our soil, grass and certain trees such as cottonwood trees are some of the biggest triggers of spring environmental allergies. Billions of dollars are spent to treat or reduce allergy symptoms.

What can we do if we are allergy sufferers?

Fortunately, there are a plethora of treatment options. Avoidance or reduced exposure is always an option. As most of us choose not to live in a bubble or become house hermits, it may not be a viable option in the spring however. Medications such as antihistamines, mucolytics, steroid shots, pills or nasal sprays, mast cell inhibitors, leukotriene inhibitors, allergy eye drops, anticholinergics and decongestants are some of the most commonly prescribed or over the counter (OTC) medications available to combat allergy symptoms. Antihistamines, leukotriene inhibitors and anticholinergic medicines will help to dry up the runny nose and eyes. Mucolytics help to break up chest congestion. Decongestants help to decrease the nasal congestion. Steroids help to reduce the swelling and inflammation. Mast cell inhibitors, such as Nasal Crom, are most effective if they are used days or weeks before the onset of the symptoms.

Some of these products can be found in our local pharmacy and groceries, and some will require a prescription. Oral antihistamines such as diphenhydramine (trade name Benadryl), loratidine (trade name Claritin) and cetirizine (trade name Zyrtec) are some of the readily available over the counter antihistamines. Other antihistamines such as bropheniramine (such as Brovex) or fexofenadine (trade name Allegra), Xyzal and desloratidine (trade name Clarinex) are available with a prescription from your allergist or other health care provider. Some of the newer antihistamines such as loratidine, desloratidine and fexofenadine should not cause much sedation and drowsiness. Many antistamines are also available in a combined formulation with a decongestant or an anti-inflammatory. Products such as Allegra-D, Claritin-D, Clarinex-D, and Zyrtec-D, and Tylenol Sinus are examples. These have the additional benefit of reducing the nasal congestion as well as reducing the itching, runny nose and watery eyes. As decongestants can cause insomnia, it is better to take them during the day instead of at night.

Other OTC preparations also include cromolyn sodium (such as Nasal Crom) and guaifenesin (such as Mucinex), and decongestants without an antihistamine (such as Sudafed).

Other prescription alternatives beside oral antihistamines include nasal sprays that contain a steroid or an antihistamine (such as Flonase, Astepro 0.15%), antihistamine eye drops (such as Optivar, Pataday), steroid injections or pills, and leukotriene inhibitors (such as Singulair). Some allergy sufferers may need a combination of these medications when they have their symptoms.

As with all medications, including those purchased over the counter, precautions should always be taken. People with prostate problems, high blood pressure, diabetes, glaucoma and/or thyroid disease should always check with their pharmacist or health care provider before using these products.

What are some other non-medication options?

Some studies have shown that bee pollen and local honey can help with pollen allergies. Supplements such as quercetin, calcium and vitamin B complex and C may also help to reduce allergy symptoms. Saline spray or netty pot used in the nose may also help to clear some of the nasal drainage.

Immunotherapy: Sublingual (under the tongue) drops and allergy shots given in the arm after an allergy test is performed can be of great benefit to those who suffer despite trying the medications, or those who do not wish to take medications. Sublingual drops are available in the U.S., but is not yet FDA approved and most likely will not be covered by most insurances.

Allergen filters in vacuum cleaners, wear a mask while dusting, air purifiers, products to reduce pet dander, allergy covers for mattresses, bed linen and pillows may also help with pet and dust allergies.

As always, please discuss your allergy treatment regimen with your doctor or health care provider. Remember, even over the counter products can interact with your prescribed medications.

Enjoy spring and all its glory!!!

For more health tips and info. please visit www.drcamillegraham.com.

Dr. Graham's Professional Affiliations

American Academy of Otolaryngology
American Academy of Otolaryngic Allergy
American Medical Association
Texas Medical Association
Hunt-Rockwall-Rains County Medical Association
NTENT (North Texas ENT)
Dallas Academy of Otolaryngology