Page 24 - BusinessWest April 1, 2024

“Managing allergies and asthma requires a multifaceted approach. The three basic strategies for dealing with environmental allergens are avoidance, medications, and allergy immunotherapy.”
mation and narrowing of the airways in the lungs, leading to wheezing, shortness of breath, and coughing. Asthma can be trig- gered by allergens as well as changes in the weather, making the spring season particularly challenging for individuals with both allergies and asthma.
Strategies for Relief
Managing allergies and asthma requires a multifaceted approach. The three basic strategies for dealing with environmental allergens are avoidance, medications, and allergy immunotherapy.
The first line of defense is to minimize exposure to allergens. This can include staying indoors on days when pollen counts are high, using air purifiers at home, and changing clothes and rins- ing off after time spent outside. Some people also find wearing masks or even protective eyewear helpful, particularly with activi- ties that may increase allergen exposure, like cutting the grass and gardening.
Many over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medications can help manage symptoms of allergies and asthma. Antihistamines, decongestants, nasal sprays, and eye drops are widely used to alle- viate allergy symptoms, while asthma sufferers often use prescrip- tion inhalers to control their symptoms. However, choosing the right medication can be daunting due to the vast array of options available.
For those with severe allergies, allergy immunotherapy, which includes allergy shots and sublingual tablets, may be an option. This long-term treatment gradually desensitizes the body to specific allergens, potentially providing lasting relief.
Navigating Treatment Options
While many effective treatments are available over the counter, selecting the right product can be challenging without professional guidance.
In studies, nasal steroid sprays like Flonase or Nasacort are
the most effective family of medicines for helping with congestion, sneezing, and post-nasal drip, but many people do not like using them. They may not be right for everyone, particularly people prone
to nosebleeds or with glaucoma or cataracts.
Oral antihistamines, like Allegra, Claritin, or Zyrtec, can help
with sneezing and itching, and these new antihistamines are not supposed to cause drowsiness, though everyone’s body is differ- ent. Antihistamine eye drops can help with itchy, watery, or swollen eyes, but can also cause or worsen dry eyes.
Oral decongestants can provide temporary relief of sinus pres- sure, but can also cause increased blood pressure and insomnia, so we generally recommend minimizing these medications. Nasal decongestant sprays like Afrin can provide temporary relief of con- gestion, but should not be used for more than two or three days in a row because they can cause increased congestion.
All of these medicines are available in less expensive generic forms, which most people find equally effective.
Given the number of treatment options and potential side effects for some people, it may beneficial to consult with a healthcare provider or an allergist to develop a personalized treatment plan.
If you already have a treatment strategy that works for you and your family, now may be a good time to get a few boxes of your pre- ferred medicine — in the last few years, there have been occasional shortages at the peak of allergy season. But leave enough for your neighbors!
The Road Ahead
As Springfield and the surrounding region brace for a longer allergy season, staying informed and proactive in dealing with allergens will be crucial for those looking to enjoy the spring while keeping their symptoms in check.
By understanding the triggers, using effective management strat- egies, and seeking professional guidance when necessary, allergy sufferers should be able to navigate the challenges of spring aller- gies and asthma with increased confidence. BW
Dr. David Robertson is an allergist and clinical immunologist and owner of Western Massachusetts Allergy, LLC in Springfield.
UPCOMING:
May 13th - Behavioral Health June 10th - Healthcare Workforce July 8th - Salute to Nurses
RESERVE YOUR AD SPACE TODAY DEADLINE: MARCH 15TH
413-781-8600 www.healthcarenews.com
24 APRIL 1, 2024
MONTHLY FEATURE
BusinessWest