Allergies are a real tear jerker

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Jason McCasland
  • 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  With Old Man Winter setting his sights on his summer vacation, Team Barksdale has many things to look forward to: warm weather, outdoor activities, pools opening, barbecues and fun in the sun.

But along with warmer weather comes many people's worst seasonal nightmare: Allergies. Sneezing, runny nose, itching eyes, nasal congestion and a host of other symptoms, allergies can dampen anyone's fun.

According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America website, allergies impact one-in-five Americans. If allergy sufferers have symptoms all year long, they are probably allergic to dust mites or animals. Many people suffer from symptoms only during certain months. These seasonal allergies can include grasses, trees and weeds.

Barksdale just entered tree season. This is when trees typically pollinate in the spring and almost everyone sees the results of this: cars dusted with yellow pollen, wind-blown yellow fog and clumps of yellow puddles after a storm. Inhaling pollen can cause symptoms in individuals who are allergic to it.

Some preventive measures allergy sufferers can take to minimize their exposure:
  • keep windows closed at night,
  • use air conditioning with filters,
  • change air conditioning and vacuum filters regularly
  • keep car windows closed when traveling
  • don't hang laundry outside to dry
  • minimize early morning activity when pollen is usually emitted between 5-10 a.m.
  • don't mow lawns or be around freshly cut grass as mowing stirs up pollens and molds
  • take a vacation during the height of the season
  • stay indoors when pollen counts are high
  • "Many local drug store over-the-counter remedies such as nasal decongestants and antihistamines can be purchased to help alleviate many allergy symptoms. Along with frequent nose blowing and taking steps to reduce dust and mold in your workplaces and homes can help with allergies," said Capt. Susan Berganio 2nd Medical Group pediatric provider. "But you should consult your primary care manager before using any OTC medications, especially if you are on other medications, have medical problems or on the personnel reliability program."



    If OTC remedies are not alleviating allergies symptoms, sufferers should make an appointment with their PCM who may prescribe oral medications, nasal sprays and eye drops. In some cases allergy sufferers may need to consult with a specialist for skin testing to determine their specific allergens and have possible allergy shots. Allergy shots are highly effective and work through desensitization but require a three to five year commitment.


    For those not allergic to trees, enjoy the outdoors while you can because with summer, grass allergies will flare and weed season is just around the corner in the fall.