A five-day forecast from pollen.com renders the future of Gainesvillian noses in the form of a bar graph. The results this time of year typically look like an angry series of red skyscrapers threatening to burst through the top of the graph. This heralds the air to come — afternoon breezes ablaze with a dusty, sunshine-yellow miasma. Were there any question about spring’s arrival, this about settles it. Allergy season is here, and there will be sneezing. However, it does not have to be this way.
According to Florida allergist-immunologist Dr. Jack Parrino, allergies are treatable with appropriate medicines. If that is not working, he suggests a visit to an allergist to figure out what allergies might be causing the problem. Of course, the ideal solution is prevention.
“The best treatment — and the most difficult — is to avoid what you are most allergic to,” Parrino said.
Unfortunately, gas masks are not in vogue at the moment. That does not mean airborne allergens are unbeatable.
Here is a quick rundown of the major things that agitate the human respiratory system between February and May — and how to manage them.
1) Pollen
Ah, spring. What a time to be alive. But living entails breathing (for most organisms), and that means sucking up pollen by the lungful. Grass, trees and weeds all expel their pollen into the open air, causing itchy eyes, runny nose and even fatigue during allergy season.
Oak is especially nasty, according to Dr. Parrino. The beautiful, yet pollen-rich trees grow in abundance in GG.
“Oak anchors the season, and people get fairly miserable,” he said. “There is so much pollen on the car, you can write your name on it.”
Fight it this way:
— Ask an allergist about decongestants or antihistamines. These can help to ease symptoms.
— Keep windows closed at home and in the car during periods of higher pollen release
— Avoid hand-to-face contact
— Park away from trees if possible – pollen from oak and other trees can get into the vehicle
2) Dust Mites
Dust mites require a microscope to see, so do not expect to catch them hustling around the home. That does not mean they are not present, though.
Dust mite allergy symptoms present similarly to those of the pollen allergy, but they are 365-days-a-year kind of issue rather than a seasonal one.
“There are things indoors that can cause symptoms,” Parrino said. “Dust mites are the major cause of that. They thrive in warm, humid environments in the dark.”
Fight it this way:
— Visit an allergist to ask about antihistamines, decongestants or steroid nasal sprays
— Clothe pillows and mattresses in dust mite covers
— Wash bed sheets, couch cushion covers and pillowcases regularly
— Try hypoallergenic pillows
3) Mold
Mold is actually a kind of fungus, and that means it reproduces via spores. It tends to grow and thrive in the wet darkness of places like bathrooms and basements. Lovely.
Symptoms of mold allergy look similar to those of pollen and dust: runny nose, red, splotchy skin, sneezing, etc.
Fight it this way:
— Clean regularly, especially in locations that see a lot of water, like around bathtubs and sinks
— Take leaks in the home seriously and repair them quickly
— Use a dehumidifier to keep the home dry
By Drew Mortier