MIAMI, FL – April 2, 2014 –Millions of people throughout the U.S. suffer from seasonal allergies. With the Spring season on its way, this means taking extra precautions for many. From pollen to those tasty seasonal fruits and vegetables, the culprits for those allergy attacks can come from numerous sources. Florida Center For Allergy & Asthma Care (FCAAC) has some tips to help overcome allergies this season specifically for those living in South Florida.
Tips for Dealing with Pollen:
- As winds pick up in the Spring, pollen rises and becomes airborne, causing problems for many allergy sufferers. It is important to check the daily pollen count (http://florida-allergy.com/pollencount/). This helps determine how much outdoor exposure you should have that day. Peak hours are to avoid being outdoors are from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.
- Keep windows closed and change/clean air filters frequently in your home and car. A high efficiency filter is recommended.
- Pollen sticks to fabric and pollen spores spread throughout your home. Avoid drying your clothes outdoors, use a dryer or hang clothes indoors instead. When coming home from an outing change your clothes, preferably out in the patio to minimize the amount of pollen in the home.
- If you are planning to spend prolonged periods of time outside, whether barbecuing or mowing the lawn, use goggles and a mask to minimize exposure to pollen.
- Know which local spring-blooming plants and trees to avoid. This includes: Australian Pine, Bayberry, Cedar, Cypress and Virginia Live Oak, all are major culprits in South Florida.
Tips for Dealing with Allergies to Seasonal Fruits and Vegetables:
- Now is the peak season in South Florida for many of those favorite fruits and vegetables that most of us love. Knowing which ones you are allergic to is essential. These are the main ones in South Florida: blueberries, cantaloupe, bell peppers, carrots, celery, corn, eggplant, grapefruit, guava, mushrooms, oranges, papaya, potatoes, peanuts, squash, spinach, strawberries, tomatoes and watermelon.
- Avoid any kind of exposure to the fruits and vegetables that are known to cause your allergies. This includes consuming or touching the item as well.
- Always inquire about the ingredients when eating out. Even cross-contamination (the food causing the allergy touching another food you are consuming) can cause an allergic reaction.
- When dealing with children suffering from food allergies, always teach them to ask about ingredients as well and teaching them not to share food with others, since many times they are not familiar with what is in that food item.
- If you suffer from allergies, always carry an EpiPen or an epinephrine autoinjector, as well as your allergy medication.
The key to dealing with any allergy is prevention. At the first sign of an allergic reaction, it is important to get tested by an allergist. Immunotherapy and medications help alleviate symptoms and overcome many allergies. People who have a hereditary history of asthma and eczema also tend to be more susceptible to hay fever during this time. Symptoms of allergic rhinitis (hay fever) include: sneezing, itchy or sore throat, itchy or watery eyes, runny or stuffy nose, fatigue, or trouble sleeping. Extreme allergic reactions include asthma and even anaphylaxis.
“You should seek treatment early in the season to prevent worse allergy attacks. It is important that those with allergies seek the assistance of an allergist,” said Dr. Michael P. Pacin of Florida Center For Allergy & Asthma Care. “There are many options for helping allergy sufferers, as well as simple steps people can take to avoid common allergens and help them enjoy the vibrancy of Spring.”
With 17 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.comor call 1-877-425-5374.
About Florida Center For Allergy & Asthma Care
Florida Center For Allergy & Asthma Care has been in business for 40 years and has board certified physicians with extensive experience in treating both adults and children. FCAAC has 17 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.
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