East Memphis Allergy and Asthma

Do you suffer from bouts of sneezing and itching and feel miserable in the spring? If so, you may be one of the 40 million Americans who suffer from allergic rhinitis. Commonly called “hay fever” or “rose fever”, seasonal allergic rhinitis affects more than 20 percent of the population.

What is allergic rhinitis? Allergic rhinitis is caused by substances that we inhale called allergens. During a Memphis spring, the trees and grass pollen can aggravate allergies, causing more severe reactions in some than in others.

The allergens are usually harmless, but in those individuals who are sensitive, the immune system “overreacts” as if the allergens are intruders and generates an immune reaction against them. This reaction results in the release of substances such as histamine that cause allergy symptoms.

What are the symptoms of allergies? Sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion, itching of the nose, eyes, throat and ears and worsening of asthma are the most common symptoms of allergies. Because of these symptoms, many patients also experience disrupted sleep, fatigue and headache.

Can allergy symptoms be prevented? There are basically three ways to treat allergies. These include avoiding the offending allergens, taking medications or immunotherapy (allergy injections).

Even though spring in the south offers endless enjoyable outdoor opportunities, many allergy sufferers spend most of the spring inside to avoid the misery of allergic symptoms from exposure to outdoor pollens. By following basic precautions and with the addition of medications, however, even the most allergic patients can enjoy the outdoors without suffering.

Following are a few suggestions for lessening the affect of seasonal allergies:

• Do a thorough spring cleaning by vacuuming and damp wiping all solid surfaces, especially in the patients bedroom
• Postpone outdoor activities until later in the day. Pollens are usually released from 5-10 a.m.
• Use air conditioning and keep doors and windows closed when possible, including in the car
• Avoid long periods of outdoor activity on hot, windy days
• Use a filter mask for mowing and raking leaves
• Shower and rinse your hair before bed, because pollen can stick in the hair and eventually end up on your pillow

What are the medical treatments for allergic rhinitis? Antihistamines and intranasal steroid sprays are the most common medications given to relieve the symptoms of allergic rhinitis. If patients have taken measures to lessen their exposure to allergens and medications have not been helpful, a course of immunotherapy or allergy injections might be beneficial

By Betty Mirro, M.D. - Dr. Mirro, founder of EMAA was born in Huntland, TN.  She graduated from the University of Tennessee School of Medicine and then completed her residency there in the Department of Pediatrics where she also served as chief resident.  Her fellowship training in Allergy and Immunology was at Children’s Hospital in Boston, Harvard Medical School and UT.  She is board certified by the American Board of Allergy and Immunology.  She is an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Tennessee.  Her special interests include sports induced asthma and eczema.