Don’t Suffer in Silence: Seasonal Allergies are Preventable

These days, allergies are one of the most commonly faced health problems across the globe. The spring season, on one hand, brings bloom to the gardens and parks, but on the other hand, it poses a serious challenge to patients with seasonal allergies. Seasonal allergies affect the basic lifestyle of patients as well. As the air fills with pollen, breathing becomes more difficult. People suffer from seasonal asthma due to the increased count of pollen in the air. Other than difficulty in breathing, patients suffer from respiratory tract infections as well. Treating these respiratory infections requires immediate healthcare services. In some of the best medical practices in Manhattan, most health and family care services are provided free in such cases of acute emergency. Primary health care centers usually provide basic health treatments for allergies like nebulization and the use of inhalers.

Causes of Allergies:

1. Pollen

Seasonal allergies mostly occur because of the pollen released by flowers in the spring season. Pollen is responsible for the fertilization of plants and is very important for a plant’s growth and survival. The pollen in the air is then inhaled by people in the area, which is often the cause of their allergies.

2. Pet Fur

Some people suffering from allergies are unable to tolerate the fur or animal hair in the air and around them. They develop severe nasal congestion and dyspnea.

3. Dust

If some construction is taking place around the area which resulted in an increase of dust in the air than normal, it affects the health of allergy patients badly. They cannot breathe freely and are prone to exacerbated symptoms of allergy.

4. Perfumes and strong odors

People might develop allergies to strong perfumes and certain types of odors such as paint, surf, polish, etc. Inhalation of any such odor can trigger an allergic reaction in patients.

Diagnosis:

The diagnosis of allergies is very important and ensures the future health of patients. The diagnosis is usually made based on the past medical and personal history of the patient. One of the most common practices of medical professionals is to focus on the history of symptoms and illnesses. This focus helps find the root cause of the disease. If all the symptoms of allergies are present, the patient can be successfully diagnosed with an allergy. Moreover, further tests are carried out to diagnose in detail all the allergens that have the potential to trigger a patient. As more cases of allergies are reported in Chelsea/Manhattan and all over the U.S. due to weather variations, preventative care doctors in the area have developed excellent diagnosis skills when it comes to identifying all possible allergens.

Symptoms:

The most common symptoms of allergies include:

1.    Shortness of breath

2.    Redness of eyes

3.    Watery eyes

4.    Difficulty in breathing

5.    Chest pain

6.    Running Nose

7.    Headache

If a patient displays a few or all of these symptoms when exposed to an allergen, they are directed to visit a family care doctor near them.

TREATMENT:

The treatment of allergies is very comprehensive yet simple, as it relies more on the compliance of the patient. Patients need to develop a strong will and have the commitment to fight the symptoms of allergies. Community setups and practices, like Manhattan Medical Arts in Chelsea, NYC, provide patients with similar symptoms a platform for support and assistance. It also provides patients with an opportunity to fight the disease collectively.

1. Precaution

Prevention is always better than any cure. Patients are directed to first identify all factors that trigger an allergic response in them. After knowing the factors, it is advised to try to avoid such allergens in the future. For example, if a person is allergic to dust, they should avoid going out in areas with high dust content, such as construction sites. Similarly, the regular use of a face mask can prevent an allergic reaction. If the allergy is to perfumes or pets, both should be avoided. If a person is allergic to pollen, traveling to safe parts of the city or other cities with fewer pollen counts is advisable in the spring season to reduce exposure to allergens in the environment.

2. Inhalers

Whenever an allergic reaction occurs, inhalers are the go-to medication for most healthcare practitioners. Inhalers containing salbutamol are mostly preferred. Salbutamol is an instant bronchodilator. Allergens, when inhaled, cause severe bronchoconstriction and thus cause difficulty in breathing. To ease the process of breathing, doctors in Chelsea and other areas with similar weather prescribe using inhalers. Two puffs of salbutamol usually do the trick when an allergic reaction occurs.

3. Nebulization

Nebulization is the most soothing remedy and treatment for patients undergoing severe allergies. As breathing is badly affected in response to an allergy, nebulization provides an immediate solution. Most prescribers prefer using nebulization with ipratropium bromide along with normal saline. Chronic allergy patients are advised to keep the nebulizing machine at home as they need this remedy at regular intervals. Medical centers provide a 24/7 nebulization facility for the patients and residents of the community. Nebulization has one drawback: it requires regular cleaning. The nebulizing machine itself becomes a source of germs if not cleaned properly. People keeping a nebulizer at home are advised to change the mask regularly and also to clean and change the reservoir regularly.

4. Medicines

Acetyl respiratory cough syrup is normally prescribed to treat constricted bronchioles and the regular cough associated with allergies. Other cough syrups with different brand names are also available on the market.

To summarize, allergies are undoubtedly one of the issues faced by many people across the world. It has the potential to affect the quality of life of patients badly. However, proper treatment, effective counseling, and active participation by the patient are key measures for controlling and overcoming it.

– Disclaimer –

This blog is for informational & educational purposes only, and does not intend to substitute any professional medical advice or consultation. For any health related concerns, please consult with your physician, or call 911.