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By Elaine Turner, MD, FACP
Seasonal allergies, sometimes known as “hay fever,” affect about 35 million people in the United States. These seasonal allergies are caused by particles in the air called allergens. Pollens are outdoor allergens that often provoke symptoms in the spring and fall. Mold spores can be indoors or outdoors, and are more prominent during the times when the weather is warm and humid. During these times, seasonal allergic rhinitis sufferers (think “rhino= rhinoceros” for nose and “itis” for inflammation) experience symptoms of sneezing, nasal stuffiness, runny nose, and itchiness in the nose, roof of the mouth, throat, eyes and ears. The times people experience these symptoms depends on where they live in the country and the particular pollens or molds to which they are allergic.
No matter where you live, allergic rhinitis affects about 20% of the population. When people who have allergies move from one area of the country to another, some get better and some get worse.
Here in Virginia, the most prominent pollen season is the tree season, which starts as early as February, but really kicks into gear in April and May. According to our observations at Virginia Adult and Pediatric Allergy and Asthma (VAPA), the most important tree pollens in our area are Birch, Maple, Oak, Elm, Hickory and Cedar. Grasses pollinate in May and June. They include the Northern Plains grasses which are common throughout the US and include such species as Timothy, Kentucky Blue, and Orchard. The Northern Plains grasses are all cross-reactive with each other – that is, if you are allergic to one of them, you are allergic to all of them. Other non-cross-reacting grass pollens here in Virginia include Johnson and Bermuda. Ragweed pollinates in September and October, but is not very heavy in Virginia.
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Avoidance is the best relief. Although avoiding all allergic sources is impossible, here are some measures to take that may be helpful. Allergy sufferers should be reminded that they may not see complete relief until the first frost occurs in their area.
Stay indoors between 5 a.m. and 10 a.m. This is when pollen counts are highest.
Rainy, cloudy or windless days serve to lessen condition causing pollen to disperse slowly. The best time for outdoor activities for a person with allergies person is after a heavy rainfall.
Try to avoid raking leaves, because of outdoor molds. Shoes and clothing worn outside should remain outdoors or be washed immediately in hot water.
Keep windows when possible, this will prevent wind borne allergens from coming indoors. Turn air conditioners on to decrease humidity.
follow pollen counts in your area. We post pollen counts on the Home Page of this website.
Discuss appropriate treatments with an allergist. Antihistamines to relieve and prevent symptoms, decongestants to treat nasal congestion and other symptoms may be recommended.
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Mold spores often have high counts here, as we infrequently have hard frosts and have warm humid summers. There are indoor and outdoor varieties of mold spores. Mold counts are high whenever the weather is warm and moist. Dust mite is an indoor allergen. The allergen consists of the bodies and feces of tiny insects whose only food is human dead skin cells that we shed as we are perpetually renewing our skin. Mites are prominent indoors in upholstery, bedding and carpeting, particularly when humidity indoors is more than 50%
The good news for allergy sufferers is that there are very good treatments for allergic rhinitis and asthma, wherever you live. We at Virginia Adult and Pediatric Allergy and Asthma are all board certified in Allergy and Immunology and specialize in the treatment of allergic rhinitis, asthma, sinusitis eczema and hives. We can identify the particular allergy triggers that are important for YOU.
There are very good medications that will help to control symptoms. More importantly, immunotherapy can desensitize those with allergies and asthma to the allergens that serve as triggers. Immunotherapy, or “allergy shots,” can decrease medication requirements, improve symptoms from allergies, significantly reduce the progression from allergic rhinitis to asthma in children, and reduce the frequency of sinusitis. Only allergists are trained to prescribe and supervise immunotherapy.Richmond is a wonderful place to live. There is so much to do nearby and the people are so friendly. Allergies should not stop you from living where you want. Your allergies may be better or worse than they are in other regions, depending upon which particular allergens serve as triggers for you. If you find you need treatment for your allergies, VAPA is here to serve you.
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