The Fall Hay Fever Season is Upon Us!

By this time, numerous members of the Allergy and Asthma Care family and many of our other regular followers are beginning to feel the symptoms of the oncoming Fall allergy season.  Among the more common symptoms are itching, watering, and redness of the eyes, nasal itching, congestion and drainage from the nose, sneezing, itching of the roof of the mouth, fullness in the face, cough, and in many cases, chest tightness, shortness of breath, and wheezing.  Some patients may experience skin symptoms of rash or itching, as well.  The physicians of Allergy and Asthma Care in southern Overland Park, Kansas, expect that the severity of symptoms will steadily increase over the first few weeks of September peaking near the end of the month.  They note that both tall and short Ragweed plants, the major cause of Fall hay fever, in the areas near his rural home south of Overland Park are large and robust, promising to produce large amounts of pollen which when contacted by succeptible individuals, result in the symptoms mentioned above.

The care providers at Allergy and Asthma Care wish to remind hay fever sufferers that preventative treatment often results in much better control during this difficult allergy season.  Also, keep in mind that significantly increased allergy symptoms may act as a stimulus for other conditions including sinus and chest infections that often come later in the Fall.  Fortunately, for many seasonal sufferers, the pollen season winds down near the end of October.  However, those individuals who are also allergic to mold spores, dust mites, and animal dander will experience heightened symptoms due to what has been called the priming effect of ragweed pollen.

Antihistamines act preventatively by binding immunologically reactive sites on the allergy cells, so it is very important to use your antihistamine in advance of your symptoms rather than as needed.  This reduces histamine release which leads to fewer and milder symptoms.  Nasal steroid sprays are very effective in reducing symptoms, but work best when used before the onset of major symptoms.  Allergy and Asthma Care has a large inventory of medications available to the allergy sufferer.  Do not hesitate to call Allergy and Asthma Care (913-491-3300) if you have questions, or if we can assist you in any way.  We have same day appointments available for those in need of fast relief.

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