‘Tis the season … for sneezin’
This week marks the beginning of another “sneezin’ season,” when fall allergies cause millions of Americans who suffer from hay fever to start sniffling, sneezing and coughing…a lot.
“Hay fever allergies can really disrupt a person’s ability to engage in normal daily activities and this year’s season could be particularly difficult for allergy sufferers,” said Dr. Jennifer LeComte, a Rowan Medicine physician with offices in Stratford.
Dr. LeComte, who is also Division Chief of Internal Medicine at Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine, points out that ‘hay fever’ is a misleading name as these allergies aren’t caused by hay and don’t result in a fever. Instead, the allergic reactions people experience at this time of year are caused by pollen released from flowering weeds.
The biggest culprit is the ragweed plant, which grows abundantly in this part of the country. Ragweed plants are prolific pollinators. Each plant is capable of releasing more than a billion grains of pollen that is so light it can travel on a breeze for hundreds of miles before landing on you, your clothes or any surface that happens to be in its path.
“When allergens, such as pollen, enter the body through contact with the nasal membrane or throat, they are normally trapped by mucus and then swallowed or coughed out,” Dr. LeComte explained. “But, if you are allergic, your body overreacts to the allergens by releasing histamines, the chemicals that stimulate the coughing, sneezing, runny nose and scratchy throats of an allergic reaction.”
Dr. LeComte offered these tips for surviving this year’s sneezin’ season:
- If you routinely take prescription allergy medications, check with your physician to see if you can begin taking them before symptoms strike.
- Avoid being outside in the early morning or on dry, breezy days.
- Wear sunglasses and a particle mask when gardening or mowing the lawn.
- Use air conditioners at home and in the car and close the car’s fresh air vents.
- Do not dry clothes on an outside clothesline.
- Shower and wash your hair before going to bed to avoid transferring pollen to pillows.
“For mild allergy symptoms, try an over-the-counter antihistamine,” Dr. LeComte added. “Decongestant medications can help, but can also raise your blood pressure. So use decongestants with caution and avoid taking them if you already have high blood pressure.”
If allergy symptoms keep you awake at night or interfere with your ability to work or relax, Dr. LeComte says it’s time to consult a physician who can prescribe medications or other therapies that can help your body to block its reactions caused by hay fever allergens.
“Remember to seek immediate medical attention if an allergic reaction causes shortness of breath or affects your ability to breathe or swallow,” she added.
This story is provided and presented by Rowan Medicine.