Seasonal Allergies
If you have seasonal allergies, you are not alone. Between 20 and 25% of the population suffers from them. Seasonal allergies often flair up in the Spring after the rain when flowers, trees and plants such as grass, release pollen into the air we breathe. In southern California, allergies like these can flair up anytime because plants here bloom all year round. But because people spend more time outside in the Spring, and because there are more blooming plants at that time of year, symptoms can worsen.
The cause of allergic reactions is based in the immune system. Antigens on the pollen of plants activates antibodies on white blood cells to release histamines which cause the allergic reaction. The body detects harmless pollen as an invader and responds as it normally would; it releases histamines. But with allergies, the body produces much more than is necessary. This excess histamine then binds with other cells to produce the symptoms of allergies such as sneezing, itchy eyes, and a stuffy nose.
Medical science does not know why allergies develop. But there are certain things people can do to minimize their discomfort.
Many people find some relief in over-the-counter medications. The two main treatments are antihistamines and decongestants. Antihistamines are preferable because they help control the actual cause of the allergic reaction, the histamines. However, they can make you drowsy which is undesirable to most students. Instead, many take decongestants but they only partially relieve nasal symptoms and do not deal with the allergic reaction. Some people take an over-the-counter combination of the two. Several types medications are available from the Student Health pharmacy. There are also less sedating antihistamines available by prescription and prescription nasal inhalers that are non-sedating. The nasal inhalers are a corticosteroid and work to decrease the nasal irritation and symptoms.
In most cases, the medications work within a half hour. They do wear off, but can be taken up to four times per day. However, the best way to avoid and allergic reaction is to avoid the allergen, if possible. Plenty of fluid intake, especially water, is also important. If all else fails, allergy skin testing is available in Student Health but it is a lengthy process that requires injections one to two times a week for several months. People with seasonal allergies probably would not benefit from this procedure when you balance time and cost factors.
Most seasonal allergies are simply endured. People who have reactions for only a couple of weeks out of the year may simply opt to use a prescription nasal corticosteroid. It may a person with seasonal allergies to sleep with their windows closed so pollens cannot get into their homes and avoid laying on the grass if that irritates symptoms. If a sour throat develops, drink plenty of fluids including hot tea, but if the soreness does not resolve, a cold may have developed in addition to the allergy symptoms.
^{Note : Information herein is provided for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. You should not use this information for diagnosing or treating a medical or health condition. If you have or suspect you have a medical problem, promptly contact your professional healthcare provider. Please consult your healthcare provider before beginning any course of supplementation or treatment.}
Content Courtesy : www.studenthealth.ucla.edu