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Our weekly news column bringing the most current, non-biased health
information to the consumer. |
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September 8, 2009 |
A Publication of QVHD |
The Nasal Blues
By: V. Deborah Culligan, RN, MPH,
Deputy Director QVHD
Despite its pastoral
innocence, magnificent floral landscapes set under clear blue skies
harbor a nasty late summer villain. Lurking in the flowery fields, the
villain hides… then, poof! It fires and shoots forth up to one billion
fine, powdery, yellowish pollen grains into the breeze, making hundreds
of persons miserable. The villain is better known as ragweed pollen (not
goldenrod), which magnified 5,000 times looks like raspberries or the
spikes of a medieval weapon. (No wonder it itches!) It is the main cause
of hay fever from August through the first frost.
Hay fever (more correctly called Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis) is a
misleading term because it is not caused by hay, nor does it cause a
fever. Its chief cause is pollen produced by trees, grasses, or weeds.
Sneezing, prolonged and repeated, is the most common mark of a hay fever
sufferer. Other symptoms include coughing, congestion, itching of the
eyes, nose, throat, mouth, and or ears, runny nose, and breathing
difficulties. (Fever, sore throats, body aches, and other such symptoms
may be indicative of an illness process rather than hay fever, an
allergic process.) Symptoms of hay fever may persist for weeks (or as
long as the pollen counts are high). Colds generally get better within a
few days.
Allergens, such as ragweed, cause a reaction in the body which causes
cells to release histamine. It is the histamine that causes the
troublesome symptoms. Therefore, using an antihistamine (rather than a
decongestant) will help to alleviate symptoms. Benadryl (diphenhydramine)
and Chlor-Trimeton (chlorpheniramine) are examples of antihistamines
that have been on the market for a long time and can be purchased
over-the-counter. (OTC) (Their generic name is in brackets and can be
looked for on generic product labels.) These drugs work well, but about
30% of users find drowsiness to be a problem. Newer, less sedating OTC
products include Claritin and Alavert (both are loratadine) and Zyrtec (cetirizine)
although Zyrtec may cause mild drowsiness. Allegra (fexofenadine) and
Clarinex (desloratadine) are prescription non-sedating antihistamines.
For most people, the sedating effects of the older drugs will wear off
after about a week, as the body adjusts to them. Some people use the
more sedating products at night and the less sedating products during
the day.
What about decongestants? Do they work for seasonal allergies? Sometimes
doctors prescribe both an antihistamine and a decongestant as
antihistamines do not usually relieve nasal congestion. However, most
doctors do not recommend decongestant use for more than a few days, as
they can actually make symptoms worse. The most common decongestant is
pseudoephedrine. (This is found in many products including Sudafed.)
Because this drug can be used to make street drugs, you will have to ask
your pharmacist for this product. It does not require a prescription but
there are very specific controls on dispensing it.
Another approach to treating symptoms is the use of nasal coricosteroids
(steroidal nosesprays.) These products contain small amount of steroids
and are usually sprayed into the nose once or twice a day to treat
inflammation. Some drugs in this category are Nasonex (mometasone
furoate) and Flonase (fluticasone propionate.) Side effects may include
stinging in the nose. Corticosteroids require a prescription from a
doctor. Non-steroidal nasal sprays which you can buy over-the-counter
(OTC) such as Nasal-Crom (cromolyn sodium) can help prevent symptoms of
allergic rhinitis if used before symptoms start . Other OTC nasal sprays
may actually make symptoms worse after a few days. Saline sprays are not
medicated and are helpful with dry nasal passages.
The prescription drug Singulair (montelukast sodium) is approved to
treat asthma and to help relieve symptoms of allergic rhinitis. It is
not for everyone. For those who people who can not get relieve from
either OTC or prescription products, allergy shots may be the best (and
only) route to take. Called immunotherapy, it involves injections of
small amounts of the things to which you are allergic. This option
should be discussed with your medical provider if all else has failed.
Other ways to help make your life “unsneezable” include:
- Avoid doing outside yard work during high pollen times. If you
must work outside, wear a pollen mask.
- Keep windows and doors closed during heavy pollination seasons.
Use air conditioning if possible.
- During late summer and early fall, pollen counts are at their
highest in the morning.
- Wash your hair every evening to get pollen off and out of your
bed.
- Wear sunglasses outdoors to protect your eyes from pollen.
- Wash your hands and face when you come indoors.
- Don't line-dry your clothes.
- Be aware pollen can cling to your pet's fur. If you can't keep
them outdoors, bathe them frequently.
- Keep air-conditioning filters clean.
For free written information on allergic rhinitis (hay fever),
District residents (Bethany, Hamden, North Haven and Woodbridge) can
call QVHD, 248-4528 or request on line, www.qvhd.org The American
Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology has an excellent website with
lots of information and a “virtual allergist” (
www.aaaai.org )
| An Ounce of Prevention is a
publication of the Quinnipiack Valley Health District, located at
1151 Hartford Turnpike, North Haven, CT 06473. Telephone:
248-4528. An Ounce of Prevention is
written by V. Deborah Culligan. The articles are published in the following local newspapers, The Advisor &
Beth-Wood News.
The content is provided as health education and
information to help you make health decisions. It is not intended to
be legal or medical advice, or substitute for recommendations made
by your health care provider. Address all comments to the district
office. |
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