News You Can Use
Guard your nose against allergies
University Relations
News Bureau (662) 325-3442
Contact: Pam McTeer
Feb. 24, 2005
STARKVILLE, Miss.—Itchy, watery eyes and a runny nose? Congratulations, you’re among millions suffering from seasonal allergies!
Doesn’t make you feel better, though, knowing that wind-blown tree pollens emerge each mid-February and last through the spring? Or, that when tree allergens let up, sufferers will face pollens from grasses in the summer and weeds in the fall?
Dr. Robert Collins, director of the Longest Student Health Center at Mississippi State University, says, “The trick about pollen is that it has to be wind-blown to be a problem.” Flower pollen carried by bees is usually too big to be transported by the wind, he adds.
Actually, he explains, “The body uses (fluids) to protect itself; it’s one of those protective systems of the body that also can be an annoyance.”
For allergy sufferers at all levels, Collins recommends avoidance, as best possible, of all wind-blown pollens. This can be done by:
—Remaining indoors as much as possible and sleeping with windows closed;
—Vacuuming carpets regularly or replacing entirely with hardwood or tile flooring;
—Choosing a high-efficiency particulate air filter for home air systems;
—Keeping sleep areas free of stuffed toys and other “fuzzies” that collect dust; and
—Applying a heating pad to the nose or taking a steam shower to clean the nasal cavity.
Collins recommends medications only after trying the above steps. If necessary, he offers these reminders:
—Identify the allergens causing you problems, and then get appropriate allergy shots.
—Antihistamines work well, but can cause drowsiness, while nasal sprays can provide quick relief but can become addictive if taken for more than 48 hours.
—Nasal corticosteroids work the best and are not addictive.
—Avoid oral or injectable steroids since they can increase risks of developing diabetes, hypertension and osteoporosis.