Community Corner

Allergy Season is Nothing to Sneeze At

The DuPage County Health Department offers some tips for allergy sufferers wishing to avoid itchy eyes and running noses.

The sun is shining, the trees are blooming and around Naperville noses are running and eyes are itching. 

Allergy season is back and with it the need for many allergy sufferers to visit the drug store and buy medications and eye drops.

Spring 2012 may be a prime time for pollen in part due to the warm winter. OurAmazingPlanet.com reported that the warm winter may have preserved more pollen in trees than is normal. 

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Hay fever is one of the most common allergies and more than 35 million Americans suffer from the allergies, the DuPage County Health Department said in a news release. 

Symptoms for allergy sufferers may include sneezing, stuffiness, a runny nose, and itchiness in the nose, the roof of the mouth, throat, eyes or ears. The National Institutes of Health say that it is possible that allergies lead to memory problems, slowed thinking, irritabilitiy and fatigue.

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Sometimes the symptoms can turn into chronic respiratory problems, such as asthma, according to the Health Department. An overreaction of the immune system to mold and pollen triggers the symptoms.

While there is no cure for seasonal allergies the Health Department recommends the following steps to limit exposure to the pollen and mold that cause symptoms: 

  • Keep track of pollen and mold levels in the air and try to stay indoors when levels are reported to be high.
  • Wear a pollen mask if long periods of exposure are unavoidable.
  • Keep windows closed in the house and car.
  • If possible, use air conditioning. It cleans, cools and dries the air.
  • Don’t mow lawns or rake leaves because it stirs up pollen and mold. If it is not possible to avoid these activities, wear a mask.
  • Avoid hanging sheets or clothes outside to dry. Pollen can stick to the fabric.
  • Take a shower after coming indoors. Otherwise, pollen in your hair may bother you all night.

The Health Department recommends talking with a doctor to determine the cause of allergies. Another option for those with hay fever is to try using over-the-counter remedies to control symptoms. Those medications include antihistamines, decongestants and saline nose sprays.


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