HOW TO BATTLE SPRING ALLERGIES

                   While we all are sure to welcome spring this year after the cold and snowy winter we just endured, this time of year does bring a bit of misery for those with allergies.  The sneezing, sniffling, wheezing, coughing, itchy and watery eyes, and sinus pain can put a damper on their enjoyment of the warming days.
                    The biggest culprit is pollen, those tiny spores released into the air by budding weeds, flowers, grasses and trees meant to fertilize other plants.  When those who are sensitive to pollen breathe it in, it sends their immune systems into overdrive, releasing antibodies to attack the allergen and releasing histamines into the blood.  It's the histamines that cause the misery-inducing symptoms.
                     Airborne allergens also can cause asthma symptoms in those predisposed to the condition.  Asthmatics airways will narrow, making it tough to breathe and leading to coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath.
                      Allergy sufferers know that breezy days are the worst, as pollen can be carried on the wind for miles.  Rainy days, on the other hand, can bring some relief, as the water droplets tamp down the blowing pollen and wash it away.
                       If you have springtime allergies, following are some tips that can help alleviate your sympoms.
Get an allergy test
                       If you've never been formally diagnosed with allergies, but you suspect that's what's causing your symptoms, see your doctor.  He or she may refer you to an allergist who will do some tests to determine if that actually is the culprit.
Medications
                      If you're diagnosed with allergies, your physician may advise you to take either a prescription medication or an over-the-counter drug.  There are several classes of drugs for this condition.
                      Antihistamines will reduce your symptoms by lowering the histamine level in your body.  It's important to note that some antihistamines can make you feeldrowsy, so you may need to be cautious about taking them during the day.  In recent years, non-drowsy formulas have been introduced.
                      Your doctor may advise that you take a decongestant to help clear the mucus from your nasal passages and relieve the congestion and swelling.  A cromolyn sodium nasal spray may halt histamine release before it can cause allergy symptoms.  And eye drops will help to relieve your itchy and watery eyes.
Lifestyle changes
                     Make it a daily habit to check the pollen count in your area.  Click on www.pollen.com/allergy-weather-forecast.asp, then select your state and nearest city.  Bookmark that for future reference.  And you can download an app for this onto your smartphone.
                      The counts range from 0 (non-existent) to 12 (very high).  Several days last week the pollen count hovered just below 8, which is enough to cause some allergy symptoms.  The predominant culprits in the Delaware Valley last week were budding maple and juniper trees.  Note that pollen count usually peaks in the morning.
                       Try to stay indoors as much as possible on high-pollen-count days.  Keep your doors and windows closed.  You may find that an air purifier will help clear your air of allergens.
                        Regularly clean the air filters in your home.  Also, clean vents, bookshelves and other places where allergens can collect.  Vacuum at least twice a week, as pollen can ride along on people's shoes and in your dog's fur right into your carpets.  Consider wearing a mask as you vacuum.
                         After you've been outdoors, wash your hair to get the pollen out, and drop your clothes into a closed hamper or directly into the washing machine.  Wash your bedding weekly in hot water.
                         Remember, the goal is to limit your exposure to the pollen spores floating outside.  And don't hesitate to talk with your doctor if your allergy symptoms are putting a crimp on your quality of life.