Allergies of the nose and eyes are very common and annoying. Common symptoms include: runny nose, watery eyes, itchy nose, eyes and roof of mouth and often sneezing. Often you can determine what you are allergic to if you are a good detective. If your symptoms start in mid-August and last till the first killing frost, there is a good chance you are allergic to Ragweed. If your allergies are always early spring, it is probably one of the trees. If the allergies are mid-to late spring this might be true Hay Fever (which is an allergy to grass pollen). Allergies to plant pollen tend to occur during the same weeks every year. Occasionally allergies are chronic and occur most of the year. This is often due to molds, dust mites and indoor pets. There are four basic treatments for allergies: Antihistamines - these pills often help a lot. Use them only when you need them, not every day. Nasal Steroids - these are the most underutilized treatment and are remarkably safe. Avoidance of what you are allergic to is just common sense, but often people find it hard to do. If you are allergic to cats, get rid of the cat. Allergy shots - Very expensive and may take years of frequent shots for full benefit. Allergy shots should only be used by people who have failed medications. Other resources: Allergies: Things You Can Do to Control Your Symptoms Nasal Sprays: How to Use Them Correctly The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma Download MP3 file This podcast first aired on March 25, 2006.
Licensing: Copyright 2005 Dr. Henry Domke
