Attack of springtime allergies

By Rebecca Freitag

Sneezing, itchy, watery eyes and runny noses, millions of people suffer from springtime allergies every year.

Some ways to combat allergic reactions are dependent on what your body reacts to.

“If you have outdoor allergies, it’s difficult to prevent them,” Said Dr. Peter Baum, M.D., a board-certified allergist/immunologist of the DeKalb Clinic.

Air conditioning is often helpful, because it filters dust out of the air and prevents dust from triggering allergies. Replacing your carpet with hardwood flooring or tile eliminates Dust mites, microscopic creatures that live everywhere, Baum said. Pillow cases and mattress covers are also available in most stores that protect from allergens. He said washing bedding at a high temperature about once a week can alleviate triggers.

Sneezing and itchy eyes may be annoying, but biology professor Richard Hahin said they’re necessary.

“Our immune system is supposed to guard our bodies from foreign matter and pollen is foreign matter, so our body is fighting it off by sneezing,” Hahin said.

Students are combatting allergies in different ways. Isabel Gomez, a senior journalism major said she uses Tylenol Cold and Sinus medication. Russ Lewandowski, a senior history major said he uses Benadryl.

“Allergies are not fun,” Lewandowski said. “I have outdoor allergies, and am also allergic to cats and dogs.”

There are treatments for allergy sufferers. Both prescription and over-the-counter medications are available, but there are some downfalls.

“Prescription nasal sprays are safe, but over-the-counter nasal sprays can be addicting,” Baum said.

Newer antihistamines also help, because they don’t cause sedation like older allergy medications, Baum said. Allergic reactions are caused by the release of histamines, and the antihistamine medication blocks their release.

If over-the-counter medication doesn’t work, there are other alternatives to alleviate allergy symptoms. Allergy shots, or allergen immunotherapy, given by a doctor are small but gradually increasing doses of whatever the patient is allergic to.

“Allergy injections are given with the idea of rendering the patient immune to the offending agent,” Baum said.