Miami, FL – March 7, 2013 – Millions of Americans suffer from seasonal allergies. Spring Allergy season officially begins on March 20th. For more than 35 million people in the US, that means runny noses, itchy eyes and other irritating symptoms are soon to come. Florida Center For Allergy & Asthma Care is offering tips to help everyone overcome the upcoming allergy season.
“Early treatment is the best way to prevent suffering during this time of the year, especially given all the allergy triggers in South Florida,” said Jaime Landman, M.D., president of Florida Center For Allergy & Asthma Care. There are things people can do to beat these allergies and help them breathe easy once again.”
Dr. Jaime Landman’s Top 10 Tips:
1. Dr. Landman advises his patients to start taking their antihistamines now, before pollen peaks.
2. Frequently use saline nasal sprays to avoid the accumulation of pollen in the nasal passages.
3. Wear goggles or glasses for those with allergic eye symptoms. A mask is recommended if you plan to pick up fallen leaves, mow the lawn or do any kind of yard work under the trees at the start and during the season.
4. Remember to close the windows, change the air conditioner filter frequently, and use a high efficiency filter. Drive with your car windows closed and use the A/C to recirculate the air you breathe while driving.
5. If you are allergic, try to avoid activities or sports outdoors in the spring. If you can’t avoid outdoor activities then try to avoid peak times when the pollen count is higher. This happens between 5 a.m. and 10 a.m. usually, so try to play sports in the afternoon to avoid discomfort.
6. Hot, dry days will have a greater amount of pollen in the environment than cold, rainy days. Consider this when making outdoor plans.
7. Stay informed of the daily pollen report in your area. Pollen and mold reports are often provided by weather centers as well as certain specialists in your area. FCAAC provides this report daily on our website for the convenience of our patients.
8. Change clothes once you get home from an outing because pollen sticks to fabric. You can spread pollen spores all throughout your home without even knowing it.
9. Take daily night baths if you spend time outdoors (even if you have already bathed that same morning), as this removes the pollen that has saturated your face or body.
10. Do not dry your clothes outside on the patio because pollen can get stuck to it. Ideally, always use a dryer or let the clothes dry indoors.
Many are not sure if they have an allergy or a cold, but an allergy is a reaction by the immune system, which occurs to certain people after coming in contact with an allergen. Exposure to pollen can trigger a series of events that discharge chemicals throughout the body, which can cause various symptoms we recognize as “allergies.” The physical properties of pollen make this allergen come in contact with people more effortlessly. Small, light pollen that can easily be carried by the wind and can come in contact with people’s eyes, nose, skin and lungs have more chance of producing allergies. Most of the allergy-causing pollen comes from plants that have attractive flowers, trees, grass and wild herbs that meet this description.
Prevention is key to managing spring allergies and can help hay fever sufferers minimize exposure. Also knowing which plants in your vicinity produce more pollen than others is also essential. Local spring blooming plants and trees such as: Melaleuca, Olive, Mango, Palm Coconut and Virginia Live Oak are major culprits in South Florida. Before stepping out of the house, make sure to check the daily pollen count at Florida Center For Allergy & Asthma Care’s website: www.florida-allergy.com.
People who have a hereditary history of asthma or eczema also tend to be more susceptible to hay fever. Symptoms often include: sneezing, wheezing, itchy or sore throat, itchy or watery eyes, runny nose, fatigue, trouble sleeping and congestion, which are many times confused for a regular cold. Antihistamines and decongestants, which can sometimes cause side effects, are effective in treating some mild cases, but it is suggested that anyone experiencing pollen allergies visit their physician for proper diagnosis and seek treatment from an allergy specialist. Often undergoing allergy testing is the only way to find out for sure exactly what’s triggering your immune system into over-action.
With 18 locations in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties, Florida Center For Allergy & Asthma Care can help you get your symptoms under control. For an office near you, visit www.florida-allergy.com or call 1-877-425-5374.
About Florida Center For Allergy & Asthma Care
Florida Center For Allergy & Asthma Care has been in business for more than 38 years and has board certified physicians with extensive experience in treating both adults and children. FCAAC has 18 centers throughout South Florida, serving communities in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties. The Centers specialize in the testing and treatment of adults and children who suffer from allergies, asthma and other disorders of the immune system. Among the most common allergies treated are allergic skin diseases, food, drug and pet allergies. Florida Center For Allergy & Asthma Care Research conducts clinical trials on new medications. The goal of the FCAAC team is to provide professional and quality care resulting in total patient satisfaction.
Editor’s Note: If you would be interested in a story or interviewing one of the doctors, including Dr. Landman, please let us know.
Media Contacts:
Eloise E. Rodriguez
Bristol Public Relations
Cell. 786.326.2221
Elizabeth Perez
Bristol Public Relations
Cell. 305.519.0232
