ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. — in preparation for spring, the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology on Friday noted that avoiding certain fruits and vegetables, installing the proper air filters, closing the windows, filling any allergy prescriptions and consulting with an allergist can all prevent the delay of allergy symptom relief for more than 35 million Americans who suffer from seasonal allergies.

“People with spring allergies often don’t realize how many things can aggravate their allergy symptoms so they just muddle along and hope for an early end to the season,” stated Myron Zitt, past president of the ACAAI. “but there’s no reason to suffer. A few simple adjustments in habits and treatment can make springtime much more enjoyable.”

Following are the five factors ACAAI identified that can aggravate suffering:

1. Fruits and vegetables — Many people with seasonal allergies also suffer from pollen food allergy syndrome (also called oral allergy syndrome), a cross-reaction between the similar proteins in certain types of fruits, vegetables (and some nuts) and the allergy-causing pollen. One-in-5 people with grass allergies and as many as 70% of people with birch tree allergies suffer from the condition, which can make the lips tingle and swell and the mouth itch. The trick is to determine which problematic produce is causing the symptoms and then avoid eating it, although that fruit or vegetable might be able to be eaten if it’s peeled, cooked or canned. if the allergen is either a birch or alder tree, the reaction might come out of consuming celery, cherries or apples. if it’s grass allergies, then tomatoes, potatoes or peaches may be the trigger. Up to 9% of people have reactions that affect a part of their body beyond their mouth, and 1.7% can suffer a life-threatening allergic reaction called anaphylactic shock;

2. Using the wrong air filter — Using an air filter to keep the home pollen-free is a good idea, but be sure it’s the right kind. Studies show inexpensive central furnace/air conditioning filters and ionic electrostatic room cleaners aren’t helpful — and in fact, the latter releases ions, which can be an irritant. Whole-house filtration systems do work, but only if the filters are changed regularly;

3. Opening windows — When windows are open, the pollen can drift inside, settle into the carpet, furniture and car upholstery, and continue to torture the allergy sufferer. So keep the house and car windows shut during allergy season;

4. Procrastinating — Don’t put off or do without medication this spring. instead, get the jump on allergies by taking any allergy medication before the season gets under way; and

5. Avoiding the allergist — Seeing an allergist can help determine just what’s triggering symptoms, and that can lead to a more effective treatment protocol.

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Newswise — Millions of Americans suffer unnecessarily with itchy, gritty, watery eyes, according to allergists at the annual scientific meeting of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) in Phoenix, Nov. 11-16. The underdiagnosis, undertreatment and self-treatment of eye allergies may seriously diminish quality of life, allergists say.

“For every one eye allergy medicine prescribed, 40 people are treating themselves with over-the-counter eye medicine from their local pharmacy,” allergist Leonard Bielory, MD, chair of the ACAAI Ocular Allergy Committee. “The over-the-counter product may relieve the symptoms for a short time, but long-term, these patients need to see an allergist who can develop a complete treatment plan to eliminate the disease.” Eye allergy symptoms are regularly reported as one of the top three allergy complaints, according to the Allergies in America Survey. Forty percent of adults in the United States experience eye allergies and more than 40 million bottles of eye allergy medicine are sold in the U.S. each year.

“The focus for people with allergies is usually their skin, lungs and nasal symptoms,” said Dr. Bielory. “But what people don’t realize is that the burning, itching, watery, gritty or sandy feeling they have in their eyes can and deserves to be treated. anyone with these symptoms should see an allergist to have their allergies identified and resolved.”

Common eye allergy symptoms or abnormalities are:• itching• tearing, watery• gritty, sandy feeling • burning• redness• absence of proper blinking reflex

“Physicians need to be aware of the seriousness of eye allergies,” said ACAAI Past PresidentMichael S. Blaiss, MD. “These allergies, which often go hand in hand with nasal allergies, may affect one’s capacity to enjoy activities like reading, driving, playing outdoor sports or gardening.”

To help those suffering with eye allergies, Dr. Bielory advises physicians to administer the Ocular Surface Disease Index. This is a standardized, easily performed questionnaire that allows doctors to evaluate symptoms and diagnose eye diseases such as conjunctivitis and dry eye syndrome

“This tool helps us to discover the cause, not just relieve symptoms,” said Dr. Bielory. “From there we can get to the source of the allergy and fix it with one of many treatment options available to our patients, avoidance of the allergen, pharmacotherapy (drugs or medicine), or immunotherapy (allergy shots).”

Those who suspect they may have eye allergies should get tested by an allergist – a physician who is an expert in diagnosing and treating allergies and asthma. to learn more about allergies and asthma, take a free relief self-test or find an allergist near you visit AllergyAndAsthmaRelief.org

About ACAAIThe ACAAI is a professional medical organization headquartered in Arlington Heights, Ill., that promotes excellence in the practice of the subspecialty of allergy and immunology. The College, comprising more than 5,000 allergists-immunologists and related health care professionals, fosters a culture of collaboration and congeniality in which its members work together and with others toward the common goals of patient care, education, advocacy and research.

Follow the ACAAI annual meeting on Twitter at #ACAAI2010.

The ACAAI Press Room is located in Room 121B at the Phoenix Convention Center, November 12 – 15, 2010; phone 602-514-5360, .

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