Even though we are starting to see tree pollen show in the daily pollen count, Chattanooga is not quite into the peak pollen season yet. Still, it is not far out, and those who battle the dreaded yellow dust each year are doing all they can to put up a good fight.
Dr. Marc W. Cromie"We will be in it within the next month for sure," said Dr. Marc Cromie, noting that there is even a possibility for two spring pollen seasons if we get stuck with another cold
frost similar to last year.
Reputable studies show that if patients begin medications during the preseason, they are way ahead of the game in terms of not having symptoms that are so severe.
"Typically, nasal steroids are the best, like Flonase and Nasacort," Dr. Cromie said. "Patients can now get these over the counter, and they are relatively inexpensive
compared to times past."
Common symptoms people struggle with during this season are itchy eyes, runny nose, sinus drainage and an occasional cough. The difference between a cold and true allergies, according to Dr. Cromie, is that the nasal symptoms last longer than
7-10 days, and drainage will appear clear with allergies versus green or cloudy, which is typical of a sinus infection or cold.
When it comes to treatment, Dr. Cromie said the "three A's" of allergies are the route they take with their patients.
"The first and most important thing is to be tested by a board-certified allergist," he explained. "Find out what you are allergic to, and then start first with avoidance."
For example, patients who are allergic to dust mites should get covers for their mattresses and pillow cases to block them out. If you are allergic to dogs and cats, keep them out of the home if possible, and if pollen is the poison that really gets to you, avoid driving with the windows down or sleeping with windows open during the spring.
"The next 'A' is allergy medications, which entail traditional antihistamines like Zyrtec or Claritin and nasal steroids," Dr. Cromie said. "Finally, patients who can't go this route or want more of a cure instead of a BandAid, should pursue allergy shots."
He went on to explain that allergy shots are a preventative therapy and operate in the sense of vaccinating patients against their environment and retraining the immune system.
"We are giving you tiny amounts of what you're allergic to so that your body stops over-reacting over time," he said.
Most insurance plans cover the shots as well since they are considered a preventative therapy or medicine. However, some people may not be good candidates for allergy shots, and there are tablets available for the patients who have trouble with grass and ragweed.
"Shots are still the best, but the tablets can help too," Dr. Cromie said.
Weather changes are also very problematic this time of year, causing vasomotor rhinitis with the extreme change in temperature.
"Going from inside 70 degrees to outside 30 degrees can make you congested or cause chronic drips, and it's more of an irritant for these patients," Dr. Cromie explained
MORE INFORMATION
Chattanooga Allergy Clinic treats all types of allergic disorders. There are five offices with eight providers in and around Chattanooga to better serve their patients, and the practice is celebrating 40 years this September. For more information about spring allergies or to find an office near you, visit chattanoogaallergyclinic.com or call 423-899-0431.