Aaaccchhooo! Getting a handle on allergies in Texas As the weather warms in spring, plants, trees and grass begin to grow and become more environmentally friendly. That also heats for many people in Dallas, Houston or anywhere in Texas is the beginning of the allergy season. For many allergy sufferers, officially designated as allergic rhinitis, spring is not always something to hope for. Flowers, grass and weeds instead of dormancy, and, unfortunately, the allergy season kicks into high gear. Millions of people like you know the symptoms:
No watery and itchy eyes
No runny
o sinus pressure
No sneezing
O Headaches
What causes allergies?
The villains that cause many allergies are allergens such as ragweed, pollen and grass. There are many people whose allergies are not seasonal - animals, dust, and certain foods as the culprits. One of the most common allergens are seasonal hay fever.
What's my age has to do with it?
Allergies can be known at any age. If you did in your 20s, 30s, 40s, or anti-allergic, you may think you're clear. However, as children can outgrow their allergy, adults can develop allergies later in life.
How do I get rid of my allergies?
If you suffer from allergies, or suspect that your problems annual springtime cold or sinus allergy are in fact, talk to your doctor. He or she can analyze your symptoms and work with you to find the best way to relieve your symptoms.
In addition to medication, you can take a look at the following to limit your exposure to allergens:
Pollen plane early in the morning and evening, so plan your outings accordingly.
Keep pollen from entering inside. Close your windows and turn on air conditioning. Also invest in high-end, anti-allergen filters in your furnace.
Avoid exposure to the freshly mown grass - finding someone else to mow the lawn.
Pollen clings to hair and clothing. Try not to bring it with you when you go inside. Shower and change clothes if you have been out for a long period of time.
What kind of drugs can provide relief?
Doctors often prescribe antihistamines and decongestants to treat allergies, which help to clarify the runny nose and itchy, watery eyes. Although antihistamines have been known to cause drowsiness, there are other prescription medications available that can make you feel better, without making you feel like it's time to nap.
There is a new class of drugs called leukotriene inhibitors, which are helping people with allergies of all ages. One such drug, Singulair, is a treatment administered once daily approved for the treatment of allergic rhinitis in adults, adolescents and children as young as six years. It works differently than antihistamines (like Claritin, Allegra, and Zyrtec), which block histamine receptors. Singulair works by blocking leukotrienes, a different inflammatory mediators.
In addition to this new generation of drugs, steroid nasal sprays are also being modified in a patient in better shape environmentally. While most prescription steroid nasal sprays are saline-based, offering a new aerosol delivery type will be available soon. Older versions of these sprays used fluorocarbons, which are harmful to the environment. The new versions do not use fluorocarbons.
Can I get tested for allergies?
Even if you have had a history of classic allergy symptoms, you should have your sensitivity measured. In addition to testing the skin, which has been used for over 100 years, allergies are also being evaluated by blood tests. In general, your.
Posted on March 31, 2010.
