Springtime is here, and for many people that means days to weeks of wheezing and sneezing as pollen counts go up. While over-the-counter drugs can provide some relief, if running noses, itchy eyes, and scratchy throats are making life miserable year after year then it might be time to see an allergist, says Mark Schuyler, chief of the UNM Health Sciences Center Department of Internal Medicine Allergy/Clinical Immunology Division.
An allergy is an altered reaction in the body to an ordinarily harmless substance called an allergen, Schuyler said. Many substances (such as animal dander, house dust mites and molds) can cause an allergic reaction. Symptoms may occur anywhere in the body but usually appear in the nose, eyes, lungs or skin.
Symptoms can range from those of a common cold, or in severe cases, itching, hives and breathing difficulty, and can affect the sinuses, throat and lungs.
Allergic reactions can be serious. Almost 90 percent of children and 50 percent of adults with asthma have allergies that trigger asthma symptoms, so identifying and learning to control these allergies can be the key to better asthma control.
In general, see an allergist if:
• Nasal allergies are causing secondary symptoms such as chronic sinus infections, nasal congestion or asthma;
• Hay fever is part of your life for several months out of the year;
• Antihistamines and over-the-counter medications aren’t working well and/or have significant side effects;
• Allergies are decreasing the quality of your life.
An allergist can determine which allergens are causing you problems. Treatments can include environmental controls and reduction of exposure, a mix of antihistamines, decongestants, and nasal sprays that can relieve symptoms, and injections for desensitization (allergy shots).