76°
CORTLANDT, N.Y. -- Spring is so close you can almost smell it, unless you suffer from seasonal allergies, in which case, you'll just have to take someone's word for it.
Springtime allergy season typically arrives either early or late April in this part of the country, but the unusually mild winter might mean an early beginning to stuffy noses and itchy eyes. And now is the perfect time to address issues that might not surface until after the vernal equinox.
The Hudson Valleys supposed to be really bad with regard to allergies, and it seems to be every year, whether someone predicts it or not, seems to be a really bad allergy season, said Dr. Robert Parks, an ear, nose and throat specialist who performs surgeries at the Hudson Valley Hospital Center. Parks is hosting a seminar on April 10, called You and Your Allergies, to address treatment and exposure to allergies.
According to the National Center for Health Statistics, about 26 million Americans endure chronic seasonal allergies.
Allergic reactions are the body's response to an invasion. When your interior sentries detect foreign substances (antigens), the immune system is triggered. Its antibodies attack the allergen, which leads to the release of histamines, which trigger allergic symptoms.
Allergens responsible for early spring afflictions begin with tree pollens, which are released when young buds develop into leaves. Pollens typically become a factor around the beginning of April and grass pollens follow around mid-May.
But how does a person discern between an early spring allergic condition and a late winter cold? Colds usually last five to seven days and can be accompanied by fever, body aches and other symptoms. People experiencing persistent cold-like respiratory symptoms, without fever and body aches, might be suffering from allergies.
In addition to congestion and coughing, allergy symptoms can include sneezing, itchy and/or watery eyes runny nose and postnasal drip, sinus pain (headaches, congestion) and itchy, stuffy ears. But allergy symptoms can also manifest as eczema, hives and other skin rashes.
Parks said anyones first line of defense against allergy symptoms is avoidance of exposure. Changing clothes, showering to remove allergens, irrigation of the nose (Neti Pot) and over-the-counter anti-histamines can also provide relief for some sufferers. If symptoms are more persistent -- and if they interfere with regular activities or quality of life sufferers should see an allergist.
When medication and household mitigation aren't keeping the antigens at bay, among the treatments available are pre-seasonal allergy drops, a form of immunotherapy wherein drops of allergen extracts are placed under the tongue. Like standard allergy shots, such courses of action can treat acute symptoms, as well as prevent further recurrences of allergies.
Before your wave your white tissue in surrender to allergies, take action. Then, think spring.
Click here to follow Daily Voice Cortlandt and receive free news updates.
