William Penn Life, 2001 (36. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
2001-04-01 / 4. szám
Breathe easy Spring survival tips for seasonal allergy sufferers April showers bring May flowers, so the old saying goes. While many of us welcome these signs of spring, millions of Americans dread the return of those showers and flowers. For them, it means the return of allergy season. Up to 20 percent of our nation's population suffers from allergic diseases, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI). That figure includes 35 million who suffer from seasonal allergies. One of the most common ailments associated with this time of year is allergic rhinitis. More commonly known as "hay fever," allergic rhinitis is considered a risk factor in developing asthma. Up to 78 percent of people with asthma also have allergic rhinitis. Symptoms can be triggered by yearround allergens (substances that trigger allergies), but seem to be most closely associated with warmer weather. As the flowers bloom and animals end their winter hibernation, the amount of such allergens, like airborne pollen and animal dander (dead skin flakes), rises. Allergists recommend avoidance as the first line of defense against seasonal allergies. The AAAAI offers a list of nine ways you can reduce your seasonal allergy symptoms. Some may seem restrictive and involve no small amount of sacrifice. But, for allergy sufferers, skipping the spring flower show or staying indoors on a beautiful day is a small price to pay for the ability to breath easy. The AAAAI recommends: 1. Stay indoors when pollen counts or humidity are high on windy days and when pollen and dust are blown about. 2. Use air conditioning and a dehumidifier to clean, cool and dry the air. 3. Shower or bathe and change clothes following outdoor activity to remove pollen and fungal spores from your hair, skin and clothing. 4. Don't hang clothes to dry outside, instead, dry them in a vented dryer. 5. Have a friend or family member do your yard work. 6. Keep windows closed at night to prevent pollen and fungal spores from drifting into your home. Instead, if needed, use air conditioning which cleans, cools and dries the air. 7. Minimize activities when pollen counts are high. Peak pollen times are usually between 2:00 and 4:00 p.m., but differ for trees, grasses and weeds. 8. Keep your car windows closed when traveling. 9. Take your vacation to a more pollen-free area, such as the beach or sea. In addition to these tips, allergy sufferers should be wary of irritants. Irritants are substances that do not trigger allergies, but can nonetheless aggravate the nose and airways. However, these substance can trigger asthma attacks. So, if possible, those who suffer from allergies or asthma should avoid: • air pollutants such as tobacco smoke, wood smoke, chemicals in the air and ozone; • occupational exposure to allergens, vapors, dust, gases or fumes; • strong odors or sprays such as perfumes, household cleaners, cooking fumes (especially from frying), paints or varnishes; and • other airborne particles such as coal dust, chalk dust or talcum powder. The better informed you are about your allergy triggers and management, the less allergy symptoms will interfere with your activities. It is important to avoid your triggers, work with your physician on a management plan, and take appropriate medications as prescribed. QvFjT] Health Links For more information about seasonal allergies and how to manage and treat them, contact your doctor. You can also find information on allergies and asthma on the Internet at the web site of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology: O www.aaaai.org William Penn Lile, April 2001 5
