As we have seen this spring, the air quality and pollen counts can radically effect our health. The warmer weather is here to stay with the full implications of allergy season.

Those who have been diagnosed with asthma respiratory and allergic disorders must take special precautions. Those who have not been diagnosed may be able to control their symptoms and prevent secondary conditions, such as sinus infections, with a few simple measures.

What Causes Allergy Symptoms?
The pollen dust you see on cars, outdoor furniture and on the pavement also floats in the air and we inhale it on a regular basis. In one spring season in Atlanta, the average adult inhales approximately a half-million particles of pollen, primarily from hardwood trees. Working properly, our immune system is amazingly effective! It starts in the nose, where 90-99% are trapped and prevented from moving further into our system. The remainder is trapped in the throat. Then our bodies’ defense system produces mucous to carry away the pollen.

This occurs without incident for 2/3 of us, however, the other 1⁄3 are allergic to the pollen. Their immune systems move to the next level of defense by producing IgE antibodies which bond to the cells that create and release histamines. This process activates the inflammatory mediators resulting in the typical allergy symptoms, such as sneezing, itchy nose and eyes, tearing, etc. At the same time, our nose, which is our best pollen defense, becomes less effective at filtering the pollen, allowing 10-100 times more pollen into the throat, and even the lungs.

How Can You Prevent Allergy Symptoms and Irritation?
When spring comes, our natural inclination is to spend time outdoors; exercising, gardening and enjoying the warmer weather. You can still enjoy the spring with a few precautions.

When gardening, you stir up even more pollen spores. If you can’t avoid yard work and mowing the lawn, wear a pollen mask, or take a prescription or over-the-counter preventive medication after consulting your physician. Some medications may cause drowsiness and should not be used when driving or operating machinery.

Exercise in early morning, away from smoggy areas near highways or industrial areas.  If you play team sports near grassy areas you may want to take a preventive medication at least an hour before you play.

Clean up! Do some spring cleaning of outdoor furniture, and surfaces where pollen has accumulated. You may need a pollen mask to avoid breathing in the spores that you stir up in the process. Change your air conditioning filters, replacing them with filters designed to trap pollen. Clean mold and mildew from showers, tubs and shower curtains to reduce the impact on your immune system. Always dry your laundry inside, rather than on a clothesline where pollen can accumulate.

While driving, be sure to keep windows and sunroofs closed. Keep windows closed in your home as well, and use the air conditioner since it filters out pollen and keeps the humidity low. Be sure to change your air filters monthly and wash electrostatic filters thoroughly. Don’t use an attic fan since it sucks pollen into the house and requires the windows to be open.

Improve your diet. Certain foods increase the body’s mucous production, including dairy products, sugar and alcohol. If they appear to be a problem ,avoid these foods as much as possible. If you are congested, adding foods with a little spicy kick may help open your breathing passages. Pineapple and papaya contain enzymes that break down mucous proteins. You may even want to consider purchasing those enzymes in supplement form, called bromelain (from pineapple) or papain (from papaya).

*If you are currently taking medications for other health conditions, prescription or over-the-counter medications may counteract or adversely interact with them. Consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking any medications.

When Should You See a Doctor?
Obviously if your allergy symptoms interfere with your daily activities it is a good idea to make an appointment to see your physician. If you have a history of asthma, respiratory illness or severe allergy reactions, and your symptoms worsen, you should definitely see your doctor.

Other indications to visit your family practice or allergist include:

• Onset of asthma symptoms, such as having difficulty breathing, wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath or tightness in your chest.

• Secondary symptoms, such as sinus infection, and severe nasal congestion.

• Coughing up mucous that is gray, yellow, green, brown or bloody, which may indicate infection.

• Coughing up or blowing mucous in small strings or plugs, a sign that it has been present in your body for quite some time.

• Chronic headaches, especially accompanied with sinus pressure and pain.

• Itchy and/or red eyes, or eye discharge.

• Hearing loss.

• Rashes that don’t clear up with anti-histamines or eczema that becomes thick or scaly.

• When you think you may need an over-the-counter medication and are currently taking other medications for other medical conditions.