Allergy

season is among us. The wonderful season where pollen

gets everywhere and people sneeze, wheeze and sniffle

for, seemingly, weeks at a time. It is the season of

allergic rhinitis. Allergic rhinitis, more commonly known

as hay fever, is an allergic reaction to inhalants, such

as pollen. Hay fever can develop at any age, but symptoms

will usually appear before a person is 20 years old. Hay

Fever depends on exposure, so one must be exposed to a

particular type of pollen for several seasons before an

allergy is developed.

Luckily,

hay fever is more annoying than dangerous. The symptoms

of allergic rhinitis irritate over 20 million Americans

each year. The symptoms can be alleviated however, most

of the time with over the counter medicines.

Antihistamines, decongestants and nasal cortiosteroids

can be used to target specific symptoms of hay fever. If

these medications fail, many people can benefit from

allergy shots. The Fayette County Health Department is

not offering allergy shots this year, but one should

consult with their physician about where to get this done

and if it is necessary.

Preventative

measures can also be taken during the allergy season.

First, if you are bothered by high pollen counts, the

medicine, prescription or otherwise, should be taken an

hour before you will be exposed. If you are allergic to

grass pollen, either do not mow the grass or wear a mask

when you do. If you wear contact lenses, wear them less

during allergy season and wear your glasses instead.

"Complaints

about eye irritations increase dramatically when pollen

season arrives," says Dr. Jody Whisenant, president

of the Georgia Optometric Association. "Pollen

causes the tissues on and around the eye to swell and

cause the release of substances called histamines in the

eye, which makes them itch."

It is

important to try not to itch. Reduce swelling and itching

of the eyes by applying cold compresses. If you insist on

wearing contact lenses, clean them daily and disinfect

the lens. If these or any other symptoms persist, consult

your physician. Though many people find this to be

unbearable time of the year, with the right knowledge you

can be in the clea r.

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