Allergies 101

Have you noticed an increase in sneezing, itchy eyes, runny nose and congestion? Have your asthma symptoms increased after moving to our lush Willamette Valley? You are not alone, and help is available.

First, some information about our valley:      It is shaped like a funnel, so we get a lot of pollens blowing down the valley to us.  We grow virtually 100% of the grass and clover seed for the U.S., as well as other pollen producing crops.  The pollen season actually begins in January, with the filberts blooming.  The indigenous species, including cottonwood start in the spring, followed by the grasses.  Many people start noticing a reduction of symptoms in July, unless the irritation of field burning bothers them. (Fields are burned for purposes of seed purity, and do decrease the amount of pesticides needed.)  When the rains begin, we start to experience mold allergies.  The Pacific Northwest is also known for a large dust mite population, and Oregon still has a large number of smokers. So, what is an allergy sufferer to do? Quit smoking.  We can help if you need it.  Also check out the Oregon quit line at 1-877-270-7867or www.oregonquitline.org Drink water.  If you keep your mucous membranes well hydrated, they will be less irritated. Use a HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) or ionic air filter.

• Try to avoid the allergens.  Example:  If you notice you start sneezing when you are on the bike path in May, and the air is full of white fluffy things, avoid the cottonwoods along the rivers until they have stopped blooming.  Remember that early afternoon is the worst time for many of the pollens.  The air is dry and the wind has increased, making the air full of them.  Play outside in the mornings, when the dew is present and the air is still.  Go inside often, shower, rinse your nose, mouth, hair, and change your clothes.  Damp dust your house.   Keep your windows closed.  Avoid using draperies.  Don’t let your pets sleep with you.  Consider a pollen mask. 

• Consider using a clothes dryer instead of a clothesline to avoid trapping pollens in your clothes and bedding.  Wash bed linens often, especially your pillowcases.  When was the last time you bought a new pillow? (Feathers and down can cause allergic reactions and can harbor mites) Use hypo-allergenic covers on your bed and pillows if you have dust mite allergies.

•  Wear eyeglasses.  Either sunglasses or prescription.  Avoid contact lenses. They can be very irritating.

• Medications- Don’t automatically reach for a pill.  Remember that they are not without side effects (you may be impaired enough to receive a DUI while using many antihistamines!) and can interact with other drugs.  If you have only itchy eyes, try one of the over-the-counter eye drops for allergies. It is better to treat only the affected area instead of the entire body.  You might also try an over the counter saline nasal spray or cromolyn sodium.  Do not use a nasal decongestant for more than three days.  They can be dangerous and counter-productive.  If you still need an antihistamine, you might try the over the counter ones before seeking prescription ones.  Prescription allergy pills currently cost $2.00-$3.00 daily.  Claritin (loratadine) and Zyrtec (cetirizine hydrochloride) are now over-the-counter.  There are also other prescription medications available.  Make an appointment with your care provider or here at the Health Clinic for an evaluation (many insurance companies, including the Oregon Health Plan, do not cover allergy medication.) Take no medications, including over- the- counter ones, if you are pregnant, taking other medication, or have a medical condition, without first consulting your medical provider.

  Antihistamines dry you out.  They are used for itchy throat, runny nose, and sneezing.  They may make you drowsy.

  Decongestants facilitate drainage.  These are used for stuffy nose, ears, and sinus pressure.  They may make you feel “wired”, much like caffeine.

  Many over-the-counter medications that are labeled for colds and allergies contain multiple drugs, including ones that you do not need.  You do not need ibuprophen or acetaminophen for allergies.  You may not need both the decongestant and antihistamine either.  Select the drug you need carefully.  It will be better for your body and your wallet.

• Natural remedies- Quercetin is a bioflavenoid compound that stabilizes mast cells, the cells that release histamine.  Start taking six weeks before your symptoms usually begin. 
• Urtica dioica (stinging nettle) is also a very helpful allergy medication.  For both of these medications, follow label directions and NEVER take if you are pregnant.