Say adieu to 'achoos' Say adieu to 'achoos' (August 13, 2004)

How to handle your allergy misery

Q: Lately, I've been miserable with allergies like never before. Why?

A: Right now, allergy sufferers are faced with a trifecta of misery. The grasses are winding down, the weed pollens are starting up, and several trees -- including the pepper and privet trees -- are in full swing. Privets, a member of the olive family, bloom from June through September, and the pollen is harsh. The pepper tree can trigger respiratory problems when the plant is in bloom between May and September.

Pollens are early risers and are worst first thing in the morning. Keep your windows closed from dawn until noon. Drive allergies out of the car by keeping the A/C off and the air on "recirculate."

Q: I'm sick of feeling sick and I don't want to use the "rescue" medicines every day. Is there a cure for allergy misery?

A: If there were a cure, it would certainly be a popular one! In the absence of one, you can overcome seasonal suffering by taking a few proactive steps. The rescue medicines, like Claritin, Benadryl, Allegra and others, can mask symptoms and are safe to take regularly.

The FDA-approved nasal cortisone sprays work to reduce your allergic reactions and, when used steadily through the peak season, can alleviate a lot of suffering with no side effects. Even a simple saline nasal rinse can give some relief.

Q: Why do my son's allergies always seem to flare up at bed time?

A: Kids plop down on their beds to read or rest, but beds are a perfect purveyor of pollen. All of the pollen that they've been exposed to throughout the day is transferred to their bedding, guaranteeing them a dose of allergens at bed time.

Children shouldn't lie in or on a bed with clothes that they've worn outdoors. Make sure they change into pajamas at bedtime, and don't lounge on furniture, especially upholstered furniture, in pajamas. This reduces exposure to dust and dust mites, another major allergy trigger.

-- Allergy specialist Dr. Steve Rubinstein

Do you have a question about your health? E-mail it to Cynthia Greaves at greavec@caminomedical.org or call her at (408) 523-3279.

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