THE ARIZONA REPUBLIC B2 MONDAY, APRIL 30, 2007 simple SOLUTIONS Allergies making you bloomin' miserable? Medicines, shots and a clean home can counter effects of pesky pollen If you've felt wheezy, sniffly and scratchy in the throat lately, there may be a good reason: Seasonal allergies are on the rise and have been for nearly a decade. Allergic rhinitis, the official name for allergies to airborne pollens of weeds, trees and grasses, affects more than 1 out of 10 Americans. What are seasonal allergies? They're an inflammatory reaction to something in the environment that causes unpleasant symptoms, such as sniffles, sneezes and swollen sinuses. How do you develop them? There's a genetic component to most allergies. If one of your parents has them, there's an almost 50 percent chance that you will, too.
It takes repeated exposure for allergies to develop fully, so several seasons may pass before a condition such as hay fever sets in. That is why most kids don't develop allergies until they're 4 or 5. Seasonal allergies continue to develop throughout life. "New allergies can occur in any decade, but, generally, they tend to peak at around age 20," says Linda Cox, chairwoman of the immunotherapy and diagnostic committee of the American College of Allergy, Asthma When do seasonal allergies strike? The season typically begins in early spring, when trees, including oak, cedar, elm, birch, ash, maple and walnut, start to pollinate. Grasses, such as timothy, Bermuda, orchard and some bluegrasses, germinate in late spring and early summer.
Weeds, such as sagebrush, tumbleweed and ragweed the latter is by far the most prevalent seasonal allergen, affecting 75 percent of sufferers kick in during late summer and early fall. Moldy leaves, an often overlooked allergen, can extend symptoms almost until winter. How do you find out whether you're allergic and what you're allergic to? A seasonal allergy can feel like a cold, with symptoms such as chronic congestion, a runny nose and itchy, watery eyes. But allergies produce a thinner nasal discharge, won't prompt a fever, are 14 times more likely than colds to trigger a migraine headache and tend to last longer. If you've been sniffling for weeks, get tested.
The skin-prick test is the most common. A doctor introduces a number of allergens as many as 60 by quickly pricking the patient's arm or back. If redness, itching, or swelling occurs within 15 minutes, there's an allergy match. If that test is inconclusive, a doctor may try a more sensitive intradermal shot, which injects allergens a little deeper below the skin. What are the most effective treatments? Without treatment, allergies may worsen over time.
Allergic reactions can spread deep into the lungs, putting you at an increased risk for asthma. For mild to moderate allergies, drugs, some prescription, some -counter, are usually enough. All work similarly by trying to stop a reaction in its tracks. "The earlier you hit the medicine cabinet, the better your results," says Daniel Ein, chief of the allergy division of George Washington University. Off-the-beaten-path places to visit during Museum smaller museums in the Valley that are worth a visit Don't miss these: African American Multicultural Museum 617 N.
Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. (480) 314-4400. Arizona State Capitol Museum 1700 W. Washington Phoenix. (602) 542-4675.
www.lib.az.us/museum. Arizona Doll Toy Museum Heritage and Science Park, 602 E. Adams Phoenix. (602) 253-9337. www.azhub.com/azdollandtoy museum.
Arizona Mining and Mineral Museum 1502 W. Washington Phoenix. (602) 255-3795. Arizona Military Museum 5636 E. McDowell Road, Phoenix.
(602) 267-2676. Arizona Museum for Youth 35 N. Robson, Mesa. (480) 644-2467. www.arizonamuseumforyouth Barbara Anderson Girl Scout Museum 3806 N.
Third Suite 200, Phoenix. (602) 253-6359. www.girlscoutsaz.org. Bead Museum 5754 W. Glenn Drive, Glendale.
(623) 931-2737. www.beadmuseumaz.org. Cave Creek Museum 6140 E. Skyline Drive. (480) 488-2764.
www.cavecreekmuseum.org. three to six months and well before allergy season, patients receive one or two injections a week of specific allergens in increasing concentrations. Then, once or twice a month over the next three years, patients get maintenance shots of the maximum concentration reached during the buildup phase. Some people maintain their improvement indefinitely, but others relapse. If you're needle-shy, ask your doctor about sublingual immunotherapy, a method that substitutes underthe-tongue pills or drops for the shots.
What can I do at home to minimize symptoms? Check the pollen count and try to stay inside when levels are high. For current levels, go to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma Immunology's Web site (www.aaaai.org/nab). You also can sign up for an allergen report via e-mail. I Close windows at night and delay morning jogs. Plants release pollen from 4 to 8 a.m., so the longer you stay inside during this period, the better.
Run the air-conditioner and invest in a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter, which is required to capture 99.97 percent of particles passing through it. Because pollen from shoes, animal paws and other sources can get embedded in carpets, consider replacREAL ing permanent carpets with washable throw rugs. Keep your lawn mowed to prevent it from sprouting pollen-producINIZV9VW ing myrtle, pollinating buds. for grass. Consider plants, Get such rid as substituting of ivy leaves and non- and compost piles before molds form.
Wear natural fibers. Synthetics, such as polyester and nylon, can create a pollen-attracting electrical charge when rubbed. I Shower and wash your hair before going to bed. Daytime pollen can collect on your body, meaning you'll be breathing it in all night. Breathe through your nose.
Noses are much better than mouths at keepacting out foreign bodies. I Avoid secondhand smoke. A study published in 2006 in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology found that exposure to secondhand smoke exacerbated allergic responses. Clean the house often. Use vacuums, mops and microfiber dust cloths, which collect particles, rather than brooms, which recirculate them into the air.
Buy pillowcases and mattress covers made from fabrics labeled "dustproof," and wash them frequently at hot temperatures to eradicate dust mites and pollen. Don't air-dry bedding or clothes damp cloth attracts pollen. Wipe down windowsills with a damp cloth before going to bed. Pollen from plants, trees, grasses and weeds Here are the major drug categories: Antihistamines They prevent cells in the body from releasing histamines, which trigger coldlike symptoms. Oral over-thecounter options often are combined with a decongestant relief.
(generally tagged a D) for more Pros: Treat throat and nasal itching, watery eyes, runny nose and sneezing. Cons: Alone, they won't help congestion or inflammation. Some brands can cause drowsiness. Nasal corticosteroids Stronger than antihistamines, these prescription sprays, such as Flonase, block inflammation and have been shown in some studies to be the most effective remedy for allergy symptoms. Pros: Very effective at treating congestion.
Cons: May take a week or so to bring noticeable improvement. There's also a higher risk of mild side effects, including nosebleeds, irritation and a burning sensation, than with other allergy medications. Month during May, which is Museum Month. (480) mesahistoricalmuseum.org. www.tempe.gov/museum.
Museo Chicano 147 E. Adams Phoenix. (602) 257-5536. hicano.com. Phoenix Museum of History 105 N.
Fifth St. (602) 253-2734. www.pmoh.org. Phoenix Police Museum 101 S. Central Suite 100.
(602) 534-7278. www.phoenixpolicemuseum.com. Phoenix Trolley Museum 1218 N. Central Ave. (602) 254-0307.
www.phoenixtrolley.com. Pueblo Grande Museum 4619 E. Washington Phoenix. (602) 495-0901. www.pueblogrande.com.
Scottsdale Historical Museum 7333 Scottsdale Mall. (480) 945-4499. www.scottsdalemuseum.com. Shemer Art Center and Museum 5005 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix.
(602) 262-4727. Sunnyslope Historical Museum and Cultural Center 737 E. Hatcher Road, Phoenix. (602) 331-3150. www.sunnyslopehistorical society.org.
Superstition Mountain Museum 4087 N. Apache Trail, Apache Junction. (480) 983-4888. www.superstitionmountain museum.org. Tempe Historical Museum 809 E.
Southern Ave. (480) 350-5100. www.tempe.gov/museum. causes seasonal allergies. Non-prescription acting, congestants are available orally or nasal spray.
They constrict blood vessels, which, in turn, reduce the amount of fluid leaked from the nose. Pros: Instant relief from congestion. Cons: Duration is temporary. Although nasal sprays, such as Afrin, faster than oral alternatives, such as Sudafed, most doctors discourage use for more than three or four days because, once you start, you'll need more and more to get the same relief. Long-term use can produce chemical Decongestants and fast burns inside the nose.
When should I consider allergy shots? If allergies send you to bed or medications produce unpleasant side effects, immunotherapy may be for you. This treatment builds up long-term immunity to one or many allergens by continually exposing patients to greater doses of them. Covered by most insurance plans, immunotherapy typically reduces symptoms by 90 percent. But the treatment is involved. Over FROM THE COVER 3 more mustvisit spots MICHAEL With fireman's boots backward in the stirrups, a memorial pony at the Hall of Flame in Phoenix honors the firefighters and police officers who died on Real Simple magazine Arizona Explore themed Where: There are many Hours and ages On with man Hall Called firefighting Where: ARIZONA Hours noon-4 12-18; On Cities" to now, same David Museum two-for-one Science Center more than 300 hands-on exhibits in five galleries.
600 E. Washington Phoenix. Information: (602) 716-2000 or www.azscience.org. and fees: 9 a.m.-7 p.m. daily.
$7 for seniors 3-12. exhibit in May: "Body Worlds 3" through May 28, "plastinated" anatomical sculpture showing the hubody. Museum Month specials: None. Chandler Museum 178 E. Commonwealth Ave.
(480) 782-2717. www.chandlermuseum.org. Deer Valley Rock Art Center 3711 W. Deer Valley Road, Phoenix. (623) 582-8007.
George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center 415 E. Grant Phoenix. (602) 254-7516. www.gwcmccphx.org. Gilbert Historical Museum 10 S.
Gilbert Road. (480) 926-1577. www.gilbertmuseum.com. Rosson House at Heritage Square Heritage Science Park, Seventh and Monroe streets, Phoenix. (602) 262-5029.
www.ressonhousemuseum.org. Hoo-hoogam Ki Museum 10005 E. Osborn Road, Scottsdale. (480) 850-8190. www.saltriver.pima-maricopa museum.htm.
L. Ron Hubbard House at Camelback 5501 N. 44th Phoenix. (602) 840-5060. www.Irhinphoenix.org.
Medical Museum Phoenix Baptist Hospital and Medical Center, 2000 W. Bethany Home Road. (602) 246-5319. Mesa Historical Museum 2345 N. Horne.
(480) 835-7358. mesahistoricalmuseum.org. of Flame the nation's largest collection of firetrucks and gear. Papago Park at 6101 E. Van Buren Phoenix.
Information: (602) 275-3473 or www.hallofflame.org. Hours and fees: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays- Saturdays and noon-4 p.m. Sundays. $5 for seniors older than 62; $4 for students ages 6-17; $1.50 for ages 3-5; free for age 2 and younger.
On exhibit in May: "We don't have special exhibits," says Mark Moorhead, curator of education, "just our usual collection." Museum Month specials: None. Arizona Historical Society Museum, Papago Park Collection of Arizona historical artifacts, documents and photographs. Where: 1300 N. College Tempe. Information: (480) 929-0292 or REPUBLIC www.arizona historicalsociety.org.
and fees: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays; p.m. Sundays. $4 for seniors and students free for age 11 and younger. exhibit during May: "Electric Cars," "Desert and "Transportation," "from prehistoric times showing the same trails being followed for the reasons food, fuel and water," says Tatum, curator.
Museum Month specials: Free admission May 18, Day, and the first Saturday of each month. Also, coupons available at many area hotels..
