By Danielle Smith, Keystone State News Connection
The spring blooms may be pretty, but they are not always a welcome sight for Pennsylvanians who suffer from seasonal allergies.
Seasonal allergies affect about one in four adults and one in five children. Physician Assistant Skye Miller at UPMC Williamsport said it happens when the immune system overreacts to things like pollen and grass, causing symptoms like sneezing and itchy, watery eyes.
She said it can be helpful to try and modify your environment to not expose yourself to tree and grass pollen and outdoor molds.
“If it’s a high pollen day, try not to go outside,” said Miller. “Usually, a rain kind of helps calm the pollen in the air, so it might be better to go outside after the rain. Try not to leave your house windows open, your car windows open, taking a shower once you come in from outside, changing your clothes.”
Also known as seasonal allergic rhinitis, allergy symptoms are the same in kids and adults.
Miller said over-the-counter nasal sprays and 24-hour antihistamines can help ease allergy symptoms. But if those aren’t working, it may be time to see a doctor or allergist to explore other options, like allergy shots.
Dr. Gregory Carnevale, the chief medical officer for UnitedHealthcare, said more than 100 million Americans experience some type of allergy. He added that it’s important to differentiate them from a common cold by their timing and frequency.
And if you know what you’re allergic to, he said you can avoid being outdoors when pollen counts are the highest, or wear a mask.
“I often tell my patients to remove heavy drapery in their bedrooms, washing their linens regularly,” said Carnevale, “just trying to remove some of the reservoir of pollens that sometimes stick to those surfaces.”
He said people react differently to allergens and medications.
Simple steps like rinsing nostrils with saline or showering after exposure to pollen can ease symptoms, and allergy testing — done on the skin or through blood samples — may offer helpful insights. A doctor may also recommend newer treatments if over-the-counter medications haven’t helped.
The post Sniffles, Sneezes: Navigating Allergy Season in Pennsylvania appeared first on BCTV.
Source: bctv
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