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FAIRFIELD COUNTY, Conn. - Allergy sufferers can't seem to catch a break. Hayfever might be a distant spring memory, but the season for ragweed allergy is taking its turn at susceptible noses throughout Fairfield County.
Weston resident Dr. Philip Hemmers, a doctor of osteopathic medicine with Norwalk Hospital, dispenses plenty of tissues from late August to early October, when ragweed also known as allergic rhinitis, an inflammation of the respiratory tract and eyes from pollen sensitivity is a common irritant. The CDC estimates 36 million Americans every year suffer from allergic rhinitis and more have occasional reactions. "Ragweed and other local weeds release microscopic pollen grains in order to reproduce, and these particles can be inhaled into the nose or they can land in the eyes," says Dr. Hemmer. And in patients with a genetic predisposition (atopy), he says, an allergic reaction is even more likely to take place. He adds that the immune system reacts to the pollen, which causes itchy, watery eyes, runny nose, congestion, wheezing and coughing. "In general," he says, "It makes you feel lousy."
While this summer's abundant rain washed away a good deal of ragweed pollen from the air, Dr. Hemmers mitigates the good news with a reality check: "Ragweed pollen levels have been in the low to moderate range, about 20 grains per cubic meter of air, but mold levels have been very high. The preponderance of rain has produced a favorable environment for 'wet' molds."
After a patient has been diagnosed with a pollen allergy, treatment should begin with avoiding irritants as much as possible. Medications in the form of both prescription and over the counter antihistamines (Claritin, Allegra and Zyrtec among them) are often used for treatment, but for worsening symptoms, Dr. Hemmer says allergy desensitization in the form of vaccinations can be helpful.
Dr. Hemmers says that due to high amounts of precipitation and the possible effects of global climate change, scientists had predicted high levels of pollen and a prolonged ragweed season this year. Thus far, he says, this has not been the case. So, take a deep breath and regroup. Flu season is just around the corner.
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