Spring is here and, if you suffer from allergies, it’s not your favorite season. Let’s dispel some myths for allergy sufferers and their families.
Sneezing, itchy eyes, congestion … are these familiar? Here’s how to recongnize and control spring allergies
The season’s most common and frequent allergies in South Florida are:
ALLERGIC ASTHMA
Allergic asthma is the most common form of asthma triggered by inhaling allergens. An allergen is a typically harmless substance such as dust mites, pet dander, pollen or mold. The allergen stimulates the immune system to cause the lungs airway passages to become inflamed and swollen. The results are coughing, wheezing and other asthma symptoms. With the proper diagnosis by an allergist, symptoms can be controlled.
MOLD
Mold is a year round allergy trigger, but in the spring it can intensify the symptoms, especially in damp and rainy conditions. Yeast, for example, releases seeds that are known as spores and are carried by the wind in spring. These spores are prevalent outdoors and peak in spring.
RAIN
Believe it or not the more April showers we get, while flowers will flourish, our allergies will also increase. Rain promotes the growth of pollen and plants, but also of mold and dust mites. Control your indoor humidity and seek allergy treatment.
POLLEN
Trees, grasses and weeds release tiny grains that help fertilize other plants but can get into the nose and trigger allergies. If you suffer of symptoms like fatigue, daytime sleepiness or chronic tiredness, it could be a ‘misdiagnosed’ allergy to pollen. You should check the daily pollen counts on www.florida-allergy.com
CROSS REACTIVITY
Once it is determined that you are allergic to pollen (and/or foods), your allergist will provide you a list of fruits you should avoid eating. It doesn’t mean you are allergic to those fruits (unless otherwise diagnosed) but there is a possibility of cross reaction. It means that you will need to be careful and avoid them because the immune system sees their proteins as offenders. Cross reactivity can occur between foods, between pollen and foods or latex and foods.
OAK PALMS
These are trees prevalent in Florida and one of the worst offenders that can cause major reactions when pollinating.
“If it is spring time and your nose is running more than you, it’s a sign you should give the allergist a call.”- Dr. Zevy Landman.
