winter allergies precautions

Schedule enough time for rest, drink plenty of water and don't allow the excitement to get you off your schedule of medication. Prevention is the best precaution. Be sure your asthma management plan is up-to-date.

Wash your hands frequently. Many cold and flu viruses are transmitted hand to hand, then hand to mouth, nose or eye. Washing your hands frequently-especially any time you've been out shopping or at parties-will make a big difference to your health.

Wear a muffler or scarf around your mouth in very cold temperatures. It will trap warmth and humidity and prevent airway discomfort.

Never store firewood in the house. Minimize use of the fireplace and always clean out the ashes after each use. Make certain your chimneys and flues are in proper working order.

allergies - general information

Your eyes are watery, your nose is itchy and runny, and you've got a throbbing headache from the pressure in your sinuses.

You're suffering from allergic rhinitis, and you're not alone. As many as 50 million people of all ages regularly suffer those same uncomfortable symptoms. They're caused by irritants called allergens-normally harmless substances that trigger overreactions in the immune systems of susceptible people.

Perennial allergies can occur year-round because they are caused by allergens in your living environment-often in your home. Allergies can also be caused by exposure to irritants such as paint fumes and cigarette smoke.

Pollens and molds are the main causes of seasonal allergic rhinitis (often called hay fever). In the United States, ragweed pollen prompts most seasonal symptoms. Grass and tree pollens are responsible for the rest.

climate factor in seasonal allergies

Each year, climate and weather conditions play a part in determining how unpleasant seasonal allergy symptoms will be.

Winters that are mild or wet can aggravate seasonal allergies by causing plants to bloom and pollinate early and levels of mold to increase.

A cold and dry winter might decrease allergy symptoms, as it postpones early pollination and won't accelerate mold growth.

Rainy days in the spring, though not helpful to those with mold allergies, can help those allergic to pollens by washing pollens down before they become airborne.

Daily weather conditions also can have an impact on how severe allergy symptoms will be. For instance, rainy, cloudless or windless days are better than warm, windy or dry ones, because pollen and mold spores are less likely to be found in the air under those conditions.

Symptoms od seasonal allergies

Symptoms associated with spring seasonal allergies frequently include:

* Runny or congested nose

* Plugged ears

* Postnasal drip

* Puffy eyelids

* Decreased sense of smell

* Dark circles under the eyes

* Itchy eyes, nose, throat or mouth

* Sinus headaches

pollen and mold allergy

The problem with pollens and mold

Pollen, a microscopic reproductive cell released by trees, grass and weeds, is carried easily by the wind. As soon as plants begin to bloom and pollinate, spring allergy season is officially underway.

Trees pollinate months before grasses and weeds and earlier in warmer climates. For example, in the Northeast and upper Midwest, the tree allergy season generally begins in March or early April, while the tree pollen season can begin as early as January (or even December) in hot climates.

Grass is the next to pollinate. In the West and along the Gulf Coast, this typically begins during March. In the Southeast, it's not until April, and in the North, not until May.

Weeds are the last to pollinate. For most of the nation, this starts in June or July. However, it can begin as soon as April in the West and in Florida. In late summer to early fall, ragweed is a particular annoyance for many, affecting about 75 percent of allergy sufferers.

Mold spores, which grow in places such as damp soil, dead leaves and rotting wood, also can be a nuisance to those who suffer from seasonal allergies. Like pollen, mold spores are carried easily by the wind once airborne. Though always present, these spores increase in number as the temperature rises. "While there's not really a defined peak for outdoor molds, late summer to early fall would tend to be times when they might cause greater problems," Dr. Li says.

seasonal allergies -spring

Whether it's April showers or May flowers, both forecast trouble for the more than 35 million United States citizens who suffer from spring seasonal allergies.

"During the wintertime, especially in the northern climates where it's cold, there's very little pollen in the air. When springtime comes and the weather warms up, trees pollinate and their pollen becomes airborne," says James T. Li, M.D., a specialist in allergy, asthma and immunology at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn.

Spring seasonal allergies (seasonal allergic rhinitis), also commonly referred to as hay fever, include allergies to the various pollens and molds that flood the air during springtime. Allergy tests can illuminate what specific pollens and molds you may be allergic to.

"There are two basic allergy problems that are caused in the spring," Dr. Li says. "They are seasonal allergic rhinitis and asthma, especially asthma in those who are allergic to tree pollen."