SEASONAL ALLERGIES

Dr. Rachna ShahAllergy & Immunology

TOPICS FOR TODAY What are the symptoms of allergies?

What cause allergies?

What can we do about our symptoms of allergies?

SYMPTOMS OF ALLERGIES

EYE SYMPTOMS Itchy eyes Watery eyes Red eyes Allergic Shiners Very rarely pain and sun sensitivity

NOSE SYMPTOMS Itchy nose Sneezing Runny nose Nasal congestion

EAR SYMPTOMS Itchy ears Ear popping Fullness in the ears

MOUTH AND THROAT SYMPTOMS Post nasal drip Clearing cough Itching of palate Mouth breathing

ASTHMA Inflammation of the airways

Cause symptoms of Shortness of breath Wheezing Coughing Chest tightness Waking at night with difficulty breathing Increased shortness of breath with exertion

ECZEMA Itchy, red patches on the skin Located mostly on the inner surface of the

elbows and behind the knees

HIVES Itchy, red, raised bumps when in contact with

allergens

WHAT CAUSE ALLERGIES

IMMUNE REACTION

WHAT ARE POLLENS AND MOLDS

POLLEN Round or oval grains released from trees,

grass, and weeds Pollen that is allergenic is small, dry, and

light Need to be spread by the wind Flowers are not likely to cause allergies

unless you are a florist

TREES Pollination season: Mid March until beginning

of May

GRASS Pollination Season: Mid May until the end of

June

RAGWEED Pollination season: Mid August until the end

of September

MOLD Season: mid July through the first frost Live in soil and on plants and grass

WHAT CAN WE DO ABOUT IT?

PREVENTION Limit exposure

Keep windows closed at home and in the car.

Use air-conditioning as much as possibleLimit outdoor activityWear goggles and mask when cutting

grassKeep windows closedAvoid gardening

PREVENTION - CONTINUED Rinse off

After exposure remove clothes Take a shower and wash hair Try daily disposable contacts

PREVENTION - CONTINUED Sinus rinse or nettipot

MEDICATIONS Antihistamines

Blocks antihistamine that are released during an allergic reaction

MEDICATIONS CONTINUED Steroid nasal spray

Decreases inflammation in the nasal passage

Antihistamine nasal spray Helps with congestion in the nose

DO NOT USE AFRIN!

ALLERGY SHOTS Series of shots that last from 3-5 years Patient is given increasing concentration of

allergenic extract based on what they are allergic to

Changes the immune system from having symptoms of allergies to having less or no symptoms

80% of people have improvement in symptoms

In children see decreased progression to asthma in those that undergo allergy shots

CONCLUSION Seasonal allergies result in symptoms like

itchy eyes, itchy nose, post nasal drip, asthma, and eczema.

Seasonal allergies are caused by an immune reaction to pollens and molds that we inhale.

Pollens and mold have defined seasons. Avoidance of allergens is the primary

treatment Other ways to treat allergies are

antihistamines, nasal sprays, and allergy shots

ANY QUESTIONS?

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Suite 106Elmhurst, IL, 60126

630-833-2884

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