Living with Allergies: GUWellness: Mind, Body, Soul

When you have an allergy attack, your body is responding to dust, animal dander, pollen or other substances from sources such as grasses, trees and flowers. If you are uncertain about what's causing your allergic reactions, keep a journal noting your surroundings at the time an episode occurs to see if any patterns develop.

You Can Run But You Can't Hide
It is impossible to completely avoid allergy—inducing irritants, but you can minimize exposure.

• Stay inside when the pollen count is high.
• Keep windows closed and use air-conditioning as much as possible.
• Replace air-conditioning and heating filters often.
• Use indoor air cleaning systems.
• Keep humidifiers clean and free of mold.
• Think about removing carpets - they accumulate allergens 100 times more than bare floors.
• Remember, pollen settles on your pet's fur; hugging your hound might aggravate your symptoms.

Some Medication Options
Prescription and over-the-counter medications can provide relief from symptoms but both have some side effects. Always check with your physician to see what's right for you. Read and follow all instructions and warnings.

Antihistamines: Reduce swelling, itching, sneezing, watery eyes, excessive mucus. Possible side effects: Drowsiness and dry mouth.
Decongestants: Relieve swelling. Possible side effects: Can cause nervousness or drowsiness; can increase blood pressure in high dosages.
Corticosteroids (nasal spray form): Relieve nasal congestion. Possible short-term effects: Can cause stinging; if improperly used, can damage nasal tissue. Possible long-term effects: Studies are underway, consult your physician.
Allergy shots: Decrease allergic response; usually weekly shots given over a long period of time.

When It Becomes Sinusitis
Sometimes a bout of allergies, or a cold, can turn more serious. Sinusitis, an infection or inflammation of the sinuses, may start as simple nasal congestion or it can be triggered by cigarette smoke. Blocked nasal passages permit bacteria to grow, causing an infection to develop.

Recognizing Sinusitis

• Headache or feeling of heaviness in your head and face
• Tenderness around eyes, nose or cheekbones
• Ear pressure or popping
• Yellow-greenish post-nasal discharge
• Fever
• Teeth ache but no dental problem is present
• Stuffy nose
• Morning sore throat that improves after you are up a while
• Dry cough that's worse when lying down or in the morning

Home Treatment Tips for Allergies and Sinusitis

• Use a humidifier to keep nasal passages moist.
• Drink lots of fluids, especially when taking allergy medications.
• Avoid smoke and other pollutants.
• Don't blow your nose too hard; it can spread infection internally.
• Keep your head elevated to help sinuses drain.
• Take nasal decongestants early, before symptoms worsen and do so only if you do not have a medical condition which prohibits the use of decongestants.
• Consult your doctor if fever develops or if pain or other symptoms increase or do not respond to home treatment.