Health

Tips on How to Survive a Bad Allergy Season

By CBSNews.com staff CBSNews.com staff

January 31, 2002 / 8:41 AM EST / CBS

Let's take a look at why this season has been one of the worst on record for allergy sufferers and at a list of do's and don'ts to help get you through the season. Health correspondent Dr. Emily Senay explains.

Is there a reason why things have been particularly bad this season?

We talked with a few allergists yesterday, as well as the National Allergy Bureau, and while there is no clear-cut answer, the general consensus is that pollen counts are at a 10-year high. At least in the Northeast. Here's what happened: Spring came early and the buds on trees started to bloom, but then we were hit with a cold spell. This kept the pollen levels low for awhile, but in the last few weeks, the temperatures have soared, the buds have bloomed, and it was almost as if a burst of pollen erupted into the air. Normally a bad pollen count is around 1,500, but this year, on bad days, the numbers have been in the 6,000 range.

All of this pollen has come from the trees?

Yes. When springtime first hits, people with pollen allergies suffer from tree pollens first. In our area, it's been the oak trees that caused the most problems. Now, pollen from pine and hickory trees is adding to the problem.

Has this been the same across the country?

In places like Colorado, Utah, Arizona, they've also had a bad allergy season. But there, it's the end of tree season and the beginning of grass season. So if it's trees you are allergic to, relief will come soon, but if grass pollens are your problem, then the bad allergy season will just be beginning for you. People allergic to trees, grasses, and weeds suffer in that order, spring through fall. The National Allergy Bureau has a great Web site, which allows you to track the pollen counts in your area.

What You Can Do

If you suffer from allergies when the pollen count is high, things you can do to reduce your allergy symptoms include the following:

Do stay indoors if the pollen count is high, or if it's windy because pollen will be blowing around.
Do use air conditioning and a dehumidifier to clean, cool, and dry air.
Do shower after outdoor activity to remove pollen from your skin.
Do consider a vacation to a pollen-free area, such as the beach.

What You Shouldn't Do

Don't hang your clothes outside to dry: Instead dry them in a dryer.
Don't do yard work: Ask a family member or friend to pitch in here.
Don't sleep with your home windows open at night: This will prevent pollen from drifting into your home.
Don't travel with the car windows down for the same reason.

Many allergy sufferers are treated for their condition and yet still suffer. Is there anything else they can do?

Allergy patients should continue to see an allergist who will treat them for their specific condition. They should take medications as prescribed in the recommendd dosage and they should not be tempted to take more medication to alleviate severe symptoms. Following the do's and don'ts we talked about will be more helpful than taking prescriptions dosages into their own hands.