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Are you one of the 50 million Americans who finds themselves sneezing through those early spring days? Spring seasonal allergies to pollens or molds can dampen your enjoyment of warm spring days and keep you inside with symptoms like sneezing, stuffy nose, runny nose, watery eyes and itching of the nose, or eyes. This spring, defend yourself against seasonal allergies by following a few tips from Dr. Bradford Ress of South Florida ENT Associates. Your Seasonal Allergies Explained Allergies, or “allergic rhinitis” is triggered by environment particles that create a defensive response within your body. Some of the most prominent outdoor allergens in the spring are various tree pollens, such as from the oak, birch, or elm trees, as well as grasses. For allergy sufferers, inhaling these environment substances sparks antibody production, as your body views the particle as potentially dangerous. The chemicals released during this process are what create the allergic response you’re probably all too familiar with (sneezing, itching, runny nose, etc.). Avoidance is the Best Medicine When it comes to seasonal allergies caused by pollens, molds and particles carried in the air, avoiding these triggers is the best way to reduce frustrating allergy symptoms. Below are some ways to lessen your exposure to spring allergy triggers. • When driving, enjoy the beautiful spring sunshine through closed windows. Driving with the windows open can aggravate your allergies considerably during high pollen count days. • Also, minimize outdoor activity on those days where your allergic triggers are highly concentrated, or on windy days. • After working in the yard or spending time outside, take a quick shower as soon as you arrive home. This can help to clean off any pollen which may have attached to your skin or hair. • Keep windows and screened porches closed every night to reduce the amount of pollen or mold particles entering the house. • Consider investing in an air purifier to run throughout high-traffic areas of the home, as well as in the bedroom at night. • Buy small, disposable breathing masks to wear when performing yard work. • Take over-the-counter allergy medications in the recommended dosage. Visit Your ENT Specialist If you find allergies keep you from enjoying life during the changing seasons, visit your local ENT specialist. They can help determine your allergic triggers, as well as medication or other treatment solutions to help you find relief. Some patients find significant relief from immunotherapy (or allergy shots), and your ENT specialist can determine whether it’s right for you. Though they may seem harmless (if annoying), allergies can actually lead to other conditions such as asthma. Therefore, if you suffer from allergies, you should consider receiving treatment sooner rather than later. If you are in the Boca Raton or South Florida area, schedule your consultation with Dr. Bradford Ress. Dr. Ress is board-certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology and is nationally recognized within his field, having spoken at numerous national and international conferences in the Otology, Neurotology, and Skull Base Surgery field. Contact Dr. Ress at 561-353-7377.
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