Letting pollen drift in
through open windows and using the wrong air filter can contribute to
allergy flare-ups in spring, experts say.
Some 35 million Americans suffer from sneezing, sniffling, stuffiness
and itchy eyes due to spring allergies, according to experts from the
American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI).
"People with spring allergies often don't realize how many things can
aggravate their allergy symptoms, so they just muddle along and hope for
an early end to the season," said Dr. Myron Zitt, former ACAAI president,
in a college news release. "But there's no reason to suffer. A few simple
adjustments in habits and treatment can make springtime much more
enjoyable."
Allergists recommend allergy-sufferers keep their house and car windows
closed so pollen can't drift in from outdoors. They also recommend making
sure to use the right air filter. Inexpensive central-furnace or
air-conditioning filters and ionic electrostatic room cleaners aren't
helpful, the allergists said. Ionic electrostatic air filters release ions
that can irritate allergies. And whole-house filtration systems can only
be effective if the filters are changed regularly.
The experts also note that some people with seasonal allergies,
particularly to grass or birch trees, may also suffer from allergies to
closely related fruits, vegetables and nuts. About one in five people with
grass allergies and as many as 70 percent of people with birch allergies
have these cross-reactions, known as pollen food allergy syndrome.
People with allergies to birch or alder trees may experience tingling,
itching and swelling around the mouth when they eat celery, cherries or
apples. People with grass allergies sometimes find tomatoes, potatoes or
peaches problematic.
Although often not serious, reactions to these foods can be life-
threatening in a small percentage of people. A life-threatening allergic
reaction is called anaphylactic shock, and high-risk people should carry a
portable epinephrine pen.
Allergists also encourage people to take their medicine even before
their symptoms flare, and to see an allergist who can suggest the best
course of treatment.
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