If you are one of the millions of Americans who experience springtime allergies, control your seasonal symptoms with this allergy sufferer\u2019s survival guide.<\/p>\n
Allergies occur when your immune system tries to defend your body against substances that are harmless to others, causing itchy or watery eyes, sneezing, wheezing, and a stuffy or runny nose. About 50 million Americans suffer from year-round allergies to mold, dust, and pets. However, seasonal allergies are the most common cause. Typically, in early Spring, symptoms are most likely caused by pollen from trees while in late spring they are likely due to grass pollens.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere is no cure for allergies, but proper treatment can help keep your allergy symptoms from getting worse,\u201d said Stephen Rand, MD, allergist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center.\u00a0 \u201cIf you suffer from seasonal allergies, your doctor can help you control symptoms so you will feel better.\u201d<\/p>\n
He added: \u201cThe simplest remedy may be just to avoid what is triggering your allergy symptoms, but if this is too difficult, try an over-the counter antihistamine.\u00a0 If you know you suffer from allergies in the springtime, start taking medication just before the season begins.\u201d<\/p>\n
Allergies vs Cold<\/strong><\/p>\n Since allergy symptoms are similar to those of a common cold, it can sometimes be hard to tell the two apart. \u201cIf the condition lasts for more than two weeks, seems to be triggered by a certain substance (an allergen), or returns every season, then it\u2019s probably an allergy instead of a cold. Symptoms that include significant itchiness are also most likely allergy related,\u201d says Dr. Rand.<\/p>\n Finding Relief<\/strong><\/p>\n If an over-the-counter remedy doesn\u2019t help, an allergist at Jamaica Hospital\u2019s Ambulatory Care Center can offer a variety of treatment options to considerably minimize your allergy symptoms.<\/p>\n \u201cYou don\u2019t have to be a victim of the season,\u201d says Dr. Rand. \u201cOften, when over-the counter solutions don\u2019t work, a nasal spray or prescription medication can lessen allergy symptoms.\u201d<\/p>\n Dr. Rand says, \u201cIf more complex treatment is needed, your physician may recommend allergy shots \u2013 which are effective about 80 percent of the time. The bottom line is that even if you do suffer from seasonal allergies, you don\u2019t have to dread the spring.\u201d<\/p>\n To schedule an appointment with an allergist at Jamaica Hospital, please call 718-206-6742.<\/p>\n All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.<\/strong> <\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" If you are one of the millions of Americans who experience springtime allergies, control your seasonal symptoms with this allergy sufferer\u2019s survival guide. Allergies occur when your immune system tries to defend your body against substances that are harmless to … Continue reading