Spring is here...and so are allergies

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Kristin High
  • 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  Winter has ended and Barksdale is quickly moving into warmer weather, springtime activities and fun in the sun.

But with all of the fun comes the adversary of the season: Allergies. The average temperature is expected to be 75 degrees and sunny with a 100 percent chance of itchy eyes, runny noses, sneezing and nasal congestion.

According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America website, allergies impact one out of five Americans.

Many people suffer from symptoms only during certain months. These seasonal allergies can include grasses, trees and weeds.

There are no cures for allergies, however, they can be managed with proper prevention and treatment.

Some preventative measures allergy sufferers can take to minimize their exposure include: keeping windows closed at night; using air conditioning with filters; not hanging laundry outside to dry; and changing air conditioning and vacuum filters regularly.

Over-the-counter remedies such as nasal decongestants and antihistamines can be purchased at local drugstores to help with many allergy symptoms, said Capt Michael Watts, 2nd Medical Group pediatric physician. Decongestants are not recommended for children under age 6.

"Although, if you are taking any other medications, have medical problems or are on the personnel reliability program, it is very important to speak with your primary care manager before using any OTC medications," he added.

If OTC remedies are not helping with allergy symptoms, sufferers should make an appointment with their primary care manager 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 possibly receive allergy shots. Allergy shots are highly effective and work through desensitization but require a three to five year commitment, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.

For more information visit the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America website at www.aafa.org or to schedule an appointment with your primary care manager, call 456-6555.