allergies

People with allergies also have a greater chance of suffering from other related conditions including sinus and ear infections, and most seriously asthma, and wintertime creates further problems for patients who also suffer from one of these other related conditions.

Patients who use their fireplaces in the wintertime may increase their exposure to mold growing on wood that is brought into the home. In addition, some asthma patients may be sensitive to the smell and/or the smoke from the fire and which is a common trigger of their symptoms such as shortness of breath, coughing and/or wheezing. In addition, upper respiratory infections are much more common in the winter and are another common trigger of asthma. These can include viral infections including influenza, but also bacterial infections including ear and/or sinus infections.
While there is no cure, there are many forms of treatment available to bring the symptoms of an allergy and/or asthma sufferer under control.

A visit to an allergist can be helpful in determining what a person is allergic to so that an effective treatment plan can be devised. Once the specific allergies are determined—usually done by skin testing—the allergist will discuss ways to help decrease exposure to, or if practical, to avoid the allergen. In the case of dust mite allergy there are various maneuvers that have been shown to decrease exposure to this common allergen including covering one’s pillow, mattress and box springs with dust mite-proof allergy covers, washing sheets and blankets in hot water and removing carpeting from one’s bedroom if possible. In the case of an allergy to animal dander, while removing the pet from the home altogether is always the best treatment, for patients who are unwilling to do this, reducing their exposure to the dander from their pet can be achieved by always keeping it out of their bedroom and using an air filter in the home. This together with prescribing medications such as antihistamines and/or prescription nasal sprays are effective strategies to help control a person’ allergic symptoms.
 

For patients with asthma the allergist will also determine what their most important asthma triggers are and will devise strategies to help control these as best as possible. These may include having the patient exercise only indoors and/or having them wear a scarf or a mask when outdoors in an effort to increase the temperature and humidity of the air that is inhaled into the lungs. For patients with asthma and who are developing an upper respiratory infection, a prompt visit to their physician is crucial so that proper medications can be prescribed if necessary in an effort to prevent the infection from wreaking havoc with the patient’s lungs. Also an annual flu shot in the fall is a very effective strategy for patients with asthma or other chronic illnesses to lessen the chance that they would develop influenza or if they do, to lessen its severity.

For patients with significant allergies to unavoidable allergens such as dust mites, another treatment that an allergist may recommend is allergy immunotherapy or allergy shots which in the long-term is effective in reducing the body’s reaction to the allergen, often also decreasing the person’s need for medication.
As you can see, wintertime is not always a respite for patients with allergies, there are many treatments available from which your allergist can determine the ones that are appropriate for you. The other good news (unless you also suffer from springtime allergies), spring is just around the corner!
For more information, call Allergy and Asthma Centers—475-9101.

 

*Disclaimer - The articles on this website are in no way intended to replace the knowledge or diagnosis of your doctor. We advise seeing a physician whenever a health problem arises requiring an expert's care. HealthWisc Monthly/Modern Health and Living is a Milwaukee based publication that is not affiliated with other organizations using the name Healthwisc.