This week's focus: Fall Allergies

Note: This brochure discusses diet and lifestyle changes that published research has shown may support allergy treatment. Talk to your healthcare provider to learn more about your options and before making changes to your everyday nutrition and self-care practices.

Overview

Summer's over, and if that isn't bad enough, you start noticing some annoying sniffling, sneezing, and wheezing. It's too early for cold and flu season, so what's up? Fall allergies. A seasonal allergy known as hay fever or allergic rhinitis, is a condition triggered by the immune system's response to inhalant substances, such as pollens. Researchers do not yet understand why some people's immune systems overreact to exposure to pollens while other people's do not.

Fall allergies are treated the same as other seasonal allergies, usually by trying to control exposure to allergens, and using antihistamines and other therapies to prevent allergic reactions and to relieve uncomfortable symptoms.

SYMPTOMS
Hay fever symptoms are partly a result of inflammation activated by the immune system. Inhaled allergens trigger sneezing and inflammation of the nose and mucous membranes (conjunctiva) of the eyes. The nose, roof of the mouth, eyes, and throat may begin to itch gradually or abruptly, followed by tearing, sneezing, and clear, watery nasal discharge. This discomfort may also lead to headaches and irritability.

Don't Fear the Fall
Timing is the key to getting the most from your doctor-recommended medicines this season-but the right time may be earlier than you think.

Taking once-a-day antihistamines and nasal steroid sprays at least a week before fall allergy season is set to start may put you ahead of the game, says Marjorie Slankard, professor of medicine at the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York City. The best time to take them varies by region, as plants may produce pollens at different times, so talk to a doctor to find out the best time to start. "Once you start taking antihistamines, there's a maximum buildup by day five to seven", says Dr. Slankard.

Remember consistency counts
Keeping your dose of medicine constant helps relieve allergy symptoms, so be sure to take it every day.

• If your symptoms are worse in the morning, take your medicine at night so it has time to build up in your body and be effective when you most need it.
• Think ahead when you're planning vacations or business trips and have prescriptions renewed or refilled beforehand, or be sure to carry your prescription and insurance information with you. Also, travel with your over-the-counter quick-relief medications, especially if your destination has different weather and other conditions that affect your reactions.

Plan ahead

• Remember to stock up on your over-the-counter medications and be sure to renew and refill prescriptions on time so you always have your medicine when you need it.
• Even though you can take allergy medicines at any time of day, taking them at bedtime is also a good idea if they cause sleepiness (ask your doctor or pharmacist if yours does).
• Think ahead when you're planning vacations or business trips and have prescriptions renewed or refilled beforehand, or be sure to carry your prescription and insurance information with you. Also, travel with your over-the-counter quick-relief medications, especially if your destination has different weather and other conditions that affect your reactions.
• Ask your doctor and pharmacist the easiest way to renew and refill prescriptions, and mark your calendar.

Simple steps for symptom relief
Medicines are important, but keep these points in mind for more relief:

• Over-the-counter saline (salt water) sprays may help relieve a stuffy nose
• Many people find relief using herbal remedies and nutritional supplements
• Sharing other people's allergy relief products is never a good idea
• Using air conditioning, instead of opening windows, and using an air filter during allergy season can help keep pollen out
• Showering before bed will allow you to sleep pollen-free

TOP TIPS FOR EVERYDAY ALLERGY CONTROL
While getting through fall allergies, it is better to avoid exposure to other possible irritants, to lower the burden on your body.

Eat Right
Uncover underlying causes: Research indicates that people with inhalant allergies are likely to also have food allergies. Food allergies are best identified by means of an allergy-elimination diet, which should be supervised by a doctor. For some people, offending foods-commonly wheat, dairy, eggs, corn, soy, citrus fruits, nuts, peanuts, tomatoes, food coloring and preservatives, coffee, and chocolate-can sometimes be added back into the diet over time and in moderation.

Live Right
Keep it clean: Common inhalants that cause allergic reactions include pollen, molds, dust mites, trees, animal dander, and chemicals. Indoor and outdoor air pollution may also be a factor in susceptible people. Smoking and exposure to secondhand tobacco smoke have been implicated in chronic nasal congestion and increased sinus congestion in some populations. So look for ways to avoid irritants like smoke and toxic fumes. At home, remember that many of the most common allergens can be found in places you would not expect, such as your bedroom or under the kitchen sink.

Soothe symptoms: Make an appointment with your healthcare provider or find an allergist to get tested for sensitivities and allergies and to explore possible treatments to reduce discomfort.

• Talk to your doctor to get some information on common medications. Antihistamines are typically used to help relieve sneezing, watery eyes, and runny nose, and decongestants are often used for nasal congestion. Sometimes nasal sprays are effective for hay fever symptoms.
• When it's not possible to completely avoid irritants, desensitization techniques (immunotherapy, usually in the form of allergy shots) may be helpful.
• Controlled research has shown that nasal irrigation with warm water or saline may be helpful for reducing symptoms of sinus congestion.
• Vitamin C and flavonoids including quercetin have natural antihistamine effects and, therefore, may help ease allergic reactions caused by the release of histamine.
  

Think ahead: As you've probably already learned, paying attention to your body's reactions can help you head off allergy problems before they start:

• Hay fever sufferers should avoid open-air exercise and social events during the height of the fall pollen season.
• For dinner parties, weddings, and other social events that involve eating, inquire about making special arrangements to accommodate your food allergies.
• If you have animal allergies, find out if friends and family have pets that may affect you before visiting and plan accordingly.

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Disclaimer: The information in this page was prepared by Aisle7 for educational purposes only; it is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Health claims are based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications, diet, or exercise habits. Aisle7, Walmart, and Pierce Promotions make no representations concerning the information contained in this article and disclaim any liability for such information and the decisions you make based on such information.