Seasonal allergic rhinitis, or "hay fever," affects more than 20 percent of the people living in the United States, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI). Allergies are triggered by substances called allergens, such as pollen or mold spores. Many trees, grasses and weeds contain small and light pollens that are easily carried by the wind, causing allergy symptoms to flare up in the spring.
Allergy sufferers don't have to cope with the symptoms every spring. An allergist/immunologist can offer relief and a plan to control the cycle of symptoms that leads to 14.1 million physician office visits and an overall cost of $6 billion each year.
"Appropriate treatment for allergy symptoms is best done by referral to a board-certified allergist/immunologist," said Christopher C. Randolph, MD, FAAAAI. "He or she will generally take a thorough history and perform skin tests and/or blood tests for molds or pollens that are triggering your symptoms, and then determine the season of your particular allergen."
The AAAAI also offers the following tips to help allergy sufferers find some relief during the peak allergy season:
-- Do a thorough spring cleaning -- windows, book shelves and air
conditioning vents collect dust and mold throughout the winter that
can provoke allergy symptoms.
-- Minimize outdoor activity when pollen counts are high. Peak pollen
times are usually between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Get up-to-date pollen
information for your area from the National Allergy Bureau at
http://www.aaaai.org/nab .
-- Take medications at least 30 minutes prior to outdoor activity.
Consult with an allergist/immunologist to ensure medications are
helping you, and notify an allergist/immunologist when reactions to
medications occur.
-- Shut windows in your house on days pollen counts are high. Avoid
using windows or fans that may draw pollen inside.
-- Wash bedding weekly in hot water.
-- Dry laundry indoors. Sheets hanging on an outside line are an easy
target for blowing pollen.
-- Shower and wash your hair before bed -- pollen can collect on your
hair and skin.
-- Keep pets off of furniture and out of the bedroom. Pollen can cling
to the dog or cat after being outside.
-- Keep car windows closed during peak season. Use air conditioning and
point vents away from face.
-- When mowing lawn or gardening, wear a filter mask.
When to see an allergy/asthma specialist
The AAAAI's How the Allergist/Immunologist Can Help: Consultation and Referral Guidelines Citing the Evidence provide information to assist patients and health care professionals in determining when a patient may need consultation or ongoing specialty care by the allergist/immunologist. Patients should see an allergist/immunologist if they:
-- Have prolonged or severe symptoms of rhinitis.
-- Have nasal polyps.
-- Have co-existing conditions such as asthma or recurrent sinusitis.
-- Have symptoms interfering with quality of life and/or ability to
function.
-- Have found medications to be ineffective or have had adverse reactions
to medications.
-- Are a child with allergic rhinitis, because immunotherapy may
potentially prevent the development of asthma.
To find an allergist/immunologist in your area, call the AAAAI Physician Referral and Information Line at 800-822-2762 or visit the AAAAI Web site at www.aaaai.org/. To review the consultation and referral guidelines go to www.aaaai.org/professionals/resources/rgce/.
The AAAAI is the largest professional medical specialty organization in the United States representing allergists, asthma specialists, clinical immunologists, allied health professionals and others with a special interest in the research and treatment of allergic disease. Allergy/immunology specialists are pediatric or internal medicine physicians who have elected an additional two years of training to become specialized in the treatment of asthma, allergy and immunologic disease. Established in 1943, the AAAAI has more than 6,300 members in the United States, Canada and 60 other countries.