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SEASONAL ALLERGIES
Dr. Rachna Shah
Allergy & Immunology
TOPICS FOR TODAY
What are the symptoms of allergies?
What cause allergies?
What can we do about our symptoms of allergies?
SYMPTOMS OF ALLERGIES
EYE SYMPTOMS
Itchy eyes Watery eyes Red eyes Allergic Shiners Very rarely pain and sun sensitivity
NOSE SYMPTOMS
Itchy nose Sneezing Runny nose Nasal congestion
EAR SYMPTOMS
Itchy ears Ear popping Fullness in the ears
MOUTH AND THROAT SYMPTOMS
Post nasal drip Clearing cough Itching of palate Mouth breathing
ASTHMA
Inflammation of the airways
Cause symptoms of Shortness of breath Wheezing Coughing Chest tightness Waking at night with difficulty breathing Increased shortness of breath with exertion
ECZEMA
Itchy, red patches on the skin Located mostly on the inner surface of the
elbows and behind the knees
HIVES
Itchy, red, raised bumps when in contact with allergens
WHAT CAUSE ALLERGIES
IMMUNE REACTION
WHAT ARE POLLENS AND MOLDS
POLLEN
Round or oval grains released from trees, grass, and weeds
Pollen that is allergenic is small, dry, and light
Need to be spread by the wind Flowers are not likely to cause allergies
unless you are a florist
TREES
Pollination season: Mid March until beginning of May
GRASS
Pollination Season: Mid May until the end of June
RAGWEED
Pollination season: Mid August until the end of September
MOLD
Season: mid July through the first frost Live in soil and on plants and grass
WHAT CAN WE DO ABOUT IT?
PREVENTION
Limit exposureKeep windows closed at home and in the
car.Use air-conditioning as much as possibleLimit outdoor activityWear goggles and mask when cutting
grassKeep windows closedAvoid gardening
PREVENTION - CONTINUED
Rinse off After exposure remove clothes Take a shower and wash hair Try daily disposable contacts
PREVENTION - CONTINUED
Sinus rinse or nettipot
MEDICATIONS
Antihistamines Blocks antihistamine that are released during an
allergic reaction
MEDICATIONS CONTINUED
Steroid nasal spray Decreases inflammation in the nasal passage
Antihistamine nasal spray Helps with congestion in the nose
DO NOT USE AFRIN!
ALLERGY SHOTS
Series of shots that last from 3-5 years Patient is given increasing concentration of
allergenic extract based on what they are allergic to
Changes the immune system from having symptoms of allergies to having less or no symptoms
80% of people have improvement in symptoms
In children see decreased progression to asthma in those that undergo allergy shots
CONCLUSION
Seasonal allergies result in symptoms like itchy eyes, itchy nose, post nasal drip, asthma, and eczema.
Seasonal allergies are caused by an immune reaction to pollens and molds that we inhale.
Pollens and mold have defined seasons. Avoidance of allergens is the primary
treatment Other ways to treat allergies are
antihistamines, nasal sprays, and allergy shots
ANY QUESTIONS?
Melrose Park675 W North Ave
Suite 310Melrose Park, IL 60160
708-450-5054
Elmhurst242 N York St
Suite 106Elmhurst, IL, 60126
630-833-2884
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