Home | Newsletter Archives

Spring 1999

Understanding Seasonal Allergies

If spring has sprung, your seasonal allergy symptoms may be just around the corner. For thousands of Arkansans it is time for the miseries of sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, and coughing to begin. Most of these symptoms are caused by pollen that is produced by plants during the spring and the fall months. What plants you are allergic to and when those plants pollinate determine when you start to sneeze. Trees release their pollen earliest in the season, usually in March. Grasses usually begin pollinating later in the spring and through the summer, and then the weeds such as ragweed begin in the late summer and fall. Outdoor mold spores are also common hay fever triggers. Pollen grains and mold spores are carried by the wind, and on hot, dry, windy days pollen-related symptoms may get worse. Rainy, cloudy days usually reduce pollen symptoms, but may increase mold symptoms. Here are some helpful hints on ways that you can shut down on your seasonal allergy symptoms:

• Keep the windows closed in the spring as trees and grasses begin to pollinate.
• Use a high efficiency air cleaner to remove airborne pollen indoors.
• Use the air conditioner in your car to reduce pollen exposure when driving.
• Replace heavy drapes with washable mini-blinds, shades, or lightweight curtains to reduce indoor pollen levels.
• Keep windows and screen closed when yard work is being done near your home. Hay fever is generally easy to treat with proper medication, as well as avoidance of what you are allergic to. Allergy injections may also be very effective in controlling these symptoms. If you have any questions or problems with regard to your allergy symptoms, do not hesitate to call our office.

Sniff and Sneeze

Spring allergies are sometimes called hay fever and sometimes called "rose fever". However, roses do not cause allergies and they certainly do not cause fevers. In spring, outdoor allergies are caused by tree and grass pollen. The scent of roses or other strong sweet scents can cause allergylike reactions, but a true allergy (with immune system reactions in the body) to flower pollen is unlikely. This is because flower pollen is usually too heavy to float in the air. Airborne pollen, however, can enter nasal passages and cause your typical allergic reactions.

Asthma Camp

Asthma Week at MedCamps will be held July 25-30, 1999, at Camp Aldersgate in Little Rock. This is a terrific opportunity for boys and girls age 7-16 who have asthma. The camp has been full for the last several years, so apply EARLY if you are interested. For an applications form call (501) 224-5864. There is no charge for the form. The camp is sponsored by the American Lung Association in cooperation with MedCamps of Arkansas, Inc. Drs. Caplinger, France, Ingram, and Ruddell will be helping with medical supervision during the camp. Please call our office if you need any further information.

Food Allergy Awareness Week Receives Federal Recognition

The Federal Government has recently approved adding Food Allergy Awareness Week (FAAW), set for May 10-14 this year, to the National Health Observance Calendar. To view this calendar on the Internet, go to www.healthfinder.gov. Please call our office if you'd like to help with FAAW activities in your communities.

Polly Carroll, Registered Dietitian

Pollen and Mold Hotline

The National Allergy Bureau, a program of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, has created a new public education piece to be used as a resource for patients with allergies. The new brochure These Plants Cause Allergies, contain maps of the United States that depict the onset, length, and end of the tree, grass, weed, and ragweed season throughout the country. Pictures of some of the most highly allergenic plants in the country are included in the brochure. The National Allergy Bureau also has a toll-free number for local pollen and mold counts (1-800-9-POLLEN). If you would like more information, please call the National Allergy bureau at 414-272-6071.

Check That Weather Report

Outdoor air is relatively free of pollen at night, at daybreak when plants are covered with dew, and on cloudy, humid, windless days. Mid afternoon on a hot, sunny day can be fairly comfortable, because hot air currents carry pollen high into the air, and away from sensitive noses. During and after a steady rain is good, too, as raindrops wash the air of pollen.

For local weather conditions and forecast go to:

The Weather Channel
Channel 4 KARK
Channel 7 KATV