Take control of your allergies

by Ron Cox, M.D.

The turning of the leaves can signify the relief from hot summer days for some, but for others it’s the beginning of misery. About 35 million Americans suffer from allergies, which are the leading cause of missed work and school. A recent survey of 2,500 people with allergies showed that 80 percent were tired, 65 percent were miserable and 62 percent were irritable.

Common fall allergens are ragweed, mold and dust mites. Fall colds can be hard to tell apart from allergies. Symptoms of allergies include:

• coughing

• postnasal drip

• sneezing

• clogged nose

• itchy eyes, nose and ears

• ear and face pain

• dark circles under the eyes

Most people treat their symptoms after they start. The best results come from treating allergies before the symptoms are present, and avoidance is the best method. Try to do your outdoor activities in the afternoon and evening, as pollen counts are highest in the morning. Wear a cotton mask if you have to be out in the morning.

Studies show benefits in some natural remedies like freeze-dried nettles, goldenseal, butterbur and saline nasal spray. Over-the-counter nasal decongestant sprays and eye drops work well but should only be used short term. They can be addictive and cause rebound symptoms of congestion and red eyes.

Prescription medicines are available depending on symptoms. Nasal steroids, antihistamine with decongestants, and Singulair work for runny nose, sneezing and congestion. Antihistamines by themselves won’t help with congestion. Prescription eyedrops reduce redness and itching and aren’t addictive.

Allergy symptoms that persist despite avoidance and medications can be treated with allergy shots. Skin testing is performed to find out what a patient is allergic to. Many people avoid testing because they hear it involves needles and is painful. A skin test with a multitest device doesn’t involve any needles and is relatively painless. It’s very efficient at testing toddlers as well.

Allergy shots contain small amounts of the allergy trigger. Doses are increased, and the body changes the way it reacts to the allergy trigger. More than 90 percent of people who don’t get relief from medications will get better with allergy shots. Medications merely mask the symptoms; they don’t cure the allergies.

A study showed that a patient’s out-of-pocket drug costs for treating year-round allergic rhinitis was $1,200. Allergy shots are given weekly during the first year; with average co-pays, the cost is around $800. Thereafter, allergy shots are given monthly, and the average cost is $290 a year. Over a period of three to five years, that amounts to a substantial savings with the allergy shots. Eight years after stopping allergy shots, 75 percent of people didn’t need shots or medicines.

McCullough-Hyde Memorial Hospital is lucky to have two allergists on staff, Ron Cox, M.D., and Jeffrey Liepzig, M.D. Both have office space in McCullough-Hyde’s Wellness Center. If you would like to find out how to make an appointment with one of these allergists, call Annette at 513-524-5420.