April 21, 2012 12:00 am by Lawrence Gerson, V.M.D.

Spring is in full bloom, and peak allergy season is not far behind. just like people, pets react to inhaled allergens.

Ask anyone with a black car if tree pollens are out this time of year, as you can actually see the pollen on the surface of a clean car. Later in the season grass pollens fill the air followed by the weeds late in the summer. Add in the possibility of food allergies, and in some cases flea allergy, and that is why we see itchy pets until winter sets in.

Additionally molds, dust and a number of other substances can stimulate an itchy reaction in pets. Sneezing and a runny nose are not seen as much in pets. What we see is itching, especially of the face and feet, as well as ear and skin irritation. we often call the itchy condition atopy.

Atopy and its associated hot spots and ear problems are the most common ailments we see in companion animals. Some dogs can be itchy without any skin lesions. others scratch themselves and create open bleeding sores.

Owners may learn to avoid exposure to the outdoors with allergic pets. Keeping pets away from fresh cut grass or high weeds can help prevent reactions. Even a simple bath can remove allergens and reduce itching. Some of these dogs do not need treatment, but some do better with a prescription for antihistamines.

Moderately affected dogs may require antihistamines and corticosteroids. Veterinarians must use corticosteroids carefully due to the side effects of increasing water consumption and urine output. many a dog has had urine accidents in the home from too much medication. Owners are always cautioned to use as little corticosteroid medication as possible to provide relief from allergy symptoms. after controlling atopy we taper the dose of corticosteroids to an every other day schedule when possible to not further suppress the adrenal gland. The cortico-steroids are anti-inflammatory and help to stop the body from reacting to the allergen.

Severe problems in dogs can be seen when allergies persist for a prolonged period of time and dogs have irritated their face and feet. Some of the severe atopy in dogs requires allergy testing and hypo sensitization. this process is similar to allergy injections in people with a slow increase in exposure to antigens. The process can be difficult and not always successful after months or even a year of injections. The benefit is, if injections work, we can decrease the use of other medication.

Recently we have been using cyclosporine as an immune modulator to decrease the reaction to allergens. although expensive and with some potential side effects, cyclosporine can be useful to decrease the chronic use of corticosteroids. this new treatment may be safer in the long run to help animals be more comfortable.

In pets that are itchy all year we sometimes suspect foods as an additional factor. Special diets with limited antigens of protein and carbohydrates are sometimes tried in a food elimination trial. many pets will benefit from diets of fish and potatoes because of the limiting of other antigens in the regular food and the high fatty acids in the fish. Owners who change their pet diets to lamb or fish will make it more difficult to use that type of diet in a food trial later in life. When we have an itchy pet we always make sure they are on a good diet and we often supplement with omega-3 fatty acid supplements.

Flea season brings a whole new set of pets into the office. Even if no fleas are seen on exam, fleas can be an issue as pets react to the flea saliva. Combine an allergic pet with a few flea bites, and it can have a massive breakout of skin issues. Cats can often groom off fleas, and veterinarians often have to look for flea dirt or observe the distribution pattern of the hair loss.

Cats are seen at the veterinary office for a variety of skin issues. Flea allergy and other itchy conditions are often treated with a long-acting corticosteroid injection. although less of a problem with side effects, caution is again advised because diabetes in cats can be an issue with too frequent injections.

Dogs that are itchy can scratch or chew large open sores called “hot spots” very quickly. these hot spots need to be shaved, cleaned and treated before they progress to larger and deeper wounds. Topical and oral antibiotics and corticosteroids are used to help these hot spots to heal. Additionally tranquilizers and Elizabethan collars are sometimes needed to prevent self trauma.

Veterinarians see ear infections in pets daily. although we usually use a combination with topical antibiotics, corticosteroid and yeast medications along with an ear cleaner, the underlining problem is often atopy.

Once a pet's skin is irritated, skin infections can be the primary or secondary problem. Weeks of appropriate antibiotic therapy may be needed to get skin infections under control.

Allergies in pets can be mild, moderate or severe. getting a proper diagnosis and treatment is critical to control atopy, and that can make pets more comfortable throughout the allergy season.

We’ve barely worn our hats and gloves, let alone our puffy down coats. We’re saving money by turning down the thermostats, enjoying long walks in the unseasonable warmth with our families, basking in the unexpectedly balmy temperatures. our snow shovels and giant bags of salt and sand stand at the ready, but have been sadly neglected. All of these are wonderful, welcome effects of this year’s unusually mild winter.

Personally, I’ve been thrilled not to be freezing my you-know-what off out there, shoveling snow off my walk and digging out my car. (Remember last year’s endless blizzards?) And I’ve even managed to escape (so far, at least) catching my usual winter cold. But from a health perspective, there’s actually a downside to all of those remarkably unfrosty winter days: Allergies. (Sniff-sniff!)

Allergy season across the U.S. is starting earlier this year, and it’s likely going to last longer, too, MSNBC reports. And if you — like me — don’t usually get seasonal allergies, well, don’t get too smug! The milder winter means a longer growing season, which means more pollen in the air, which means it might affect people who don’t usually find themselves sneezy and itchy and wheezy in the springtime. Ugh … then again, even if I do get a few allergic symptoms (and suddenly my throat is feeling a little scratchy), I still think, in the end, it’s totally worth it. After all, just think how much healthier we are for not staying huddled inside all winter long! Whoo-hoo! Ah-choo! And pass the tissues, please. Do you think allergies are a fair price to pay for a mild winter?

Image via jfl1066/Flickr

Everyone is telling me that both of my children (5 and 1) could have allergies. they both have had several "colds" within the last few months and they always get it at the same time. I don't have allergies myself, but I always assumed that you would have allergy symptoms throughout the entire allergy season. but am I wrong? Do the symptoms come and go?

It depends on what that particular person is allergic to and how much of the allergen that person is exposed to. Like pollen from trees and plants at certain times of the year can be worse than at other times and if your children come close to that pollen or allergen, they may have an attack raising the symptoms.

Symptoms do come and go, depending on what pollen is in the air and how high the pollen count is. Spring and fall are the worst time for allergies.

Thursday may 12, 2011

PITTSFIELD — Ash. Maple. Elm. Birch. Cottonwood.

In the springtime, the trees may look pretty enough, but for allergy sufferers, their resulting pollen is nothing to sneeze at. Sniffling and dry-eyed Berkshirites beware — physicians say that this is only the beginning of yet another interminable allergy season.

“I don’t know if it’s the pollen or what,” said Michael Maysonet of Pittsfield while he was outside on North Street on Wednesday. “It gets me congested, gets my nose runny — all sorts of stuff.”

Lauren Winneroski of Pittsfield said she’s not an allergy sufferer, but the pollen was getting the best of her this spring.

“I get the itchy eyes — there’s something in the air, it’s been bothering everybody,” she said. “I’ve never been allergic to anything. but this morning I looked in the mirror and it looked like I was crying. It’s pretty horrendous.”

An expert in such matters, Pittsfield allergist Dr. Thomas Edwards calls it “a very bad season it’s always a bad season for those that suffer.”

Edwards’ office measures pollen counts in Pittsfield around three times a week. The most recent measurement, from Tuesday, showed 981 pollen particles per cubic meter of air — the “high” level of the spectrum. Anything above 1,500 is considered “very high” — or, for allergy sufferers, pure misery.

And the reason for all this? Blame last year’s good weather, Edwards said.

“Pollen levels were actually higher last year, but curiously, people seem to be more symptomatic this year,” said Edwards, whose allergy patient volume is up this year compared to last. “It’s almost like they were primed last year by the very high levels [of pollen] and this year, it’s hitting a lot of people.”

In addition, the lack of rain — the National Weather Service reports just 0.58 inches of precipitation in Pittsfield since may 1 — has kept the air dry and pollen floating in the breeze.

But is this the beginning of exponentially worsening symptoms?

Edwards said that sheer numbers of allergy sufferers appear to be increasing for reasons that are still unclear, but that the actual severity of symptoms would likely vary on a season-to-season basis.

Edwards added that avoiding the allergens is next to impossible, outside of staying indoors and using daily antihistamine or prescription-only steroidal nose sprays.

“There isn’t really anything you can do in terms of outdoor control,” he said.

Once the tree pollen season concludes, grass pollen will start around Memorial Day, according to Edwards. and it gets worse.

“The next big onslaught is the weed pollen season, such as ragweed,” Edwards said. “It’ll begin around the 15th of August through the beginning of October.”

It may look like the dead of winter outside, but the allergy season is already underway. Trees begin spreading pollen before leaves appear on their branches. Grass and weeds will begin pollinating later in the year.

“Most people associate the beginning of allergy season with flowering trees and plants, but the reality is allergy season begins much earlier, when buds on otherwise bare trees begin releasing their pollen” said Kirstin Carel, MD, Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at National Jewish Health. “People who suffer from tree allergies may already be experiencing symptoms and should begin taking steps now to minimize them.”

Dr. Carel offers advice on steps you can take now to get ahead of the spring allergy season.

Know exactly what you are allergic to. See an allergist and have testing done to determine which pollens or other items (molds, pets, etc.) that you are allergic to. Specifically knowing what you are allergic to can help your allergist tailor your treatment plan.

Start your allergy medications now. whether you take nasal sprays and/or oral medication begin taking your allergy medications now before your symptoms start. Beginning those medications now can help lessen the severity of your symptoms later.

Stay consistent. take your medications as prescribed. Constantly taking your medications will work much better with consistent use rather than used only as urgent relief.

Nasal washes can be very helpful. many people with allergic rhinitis, allergic asthma, or other lung problems also have nasal and sinus symptoms. Drainage from your nose and sinuses can make rhinitis and asthma worse, especially at night. A salt-water nasal wash, or nasal irrigation, can help reduce this.

Monitor pollen counts. know the pollen counts each day. on high pollen count days keep your windows closed to minimize exposure to pollens. if you have been outdoors a lot, showering before going to bed can go a long way toward helping you get a good night’s sleep.

Provided by National Jewish Health

Posted on: Monday, 7 March 2011, 00:00 CST

As the allergy season gets underway, Dr. Michael R. Menachof, a board-certified otolaryngologist serving Denver, suggests allergy drops as a more comfortable alternative to traditional allergy shots.

Englewood, CO (PRWEB) March 5, 2011

with spring just around the corner, allergy season will be in full bloom in no time. Many people are already taking steps to prepare for the onset of their allergies. In preparation for the allergy season, Colorado allergy (advancedentdenver.com/allergy-testing-care.html) specialist Dr. Michael R. Menachof (advancedentdenver.com) is recommending allergy drops, a lesser-known therapy, for people who would rather avoid the discomfort of allergy shots.

"Allergy shots are a traditional method for treating allergies," explains Dr. Menachof. "However, not every person with allergies is a good candidate for shots. In such cases, I suggest patients consider allergy drops to reduce symptoms and desensitize them from their allergens."

Allergy drops, which are placed under the tongue, are similar to shots in the way they deliver slowly increasing amounts of antigens. known as immunotherapy, this treatment builds the body’s tolerance to allergens. because some patients cannot tolerate shots, Dr. Menachof uses drops as a safe and effective alternative.

"Allergy drops often prove more advantageous than traditional allergy shots for certain patients," says Dr. Menachof. "because drops require fewer clinic visits, they are less expensive and more convenient, as patients can take the drops daily at home. Drops provide an excellent alternative for my Colorado asthma (advancedentdenver.com/allergy-testing-care.html) and allergy patients. "

As an ear, nose and throat specialist, Dr. Menachof specializes in treating allergies but also offers services for patients who need help with snoring or fitting for hearing aids in Colorado (advancedentdenver.com/hearing-balance.html). In contrast to old-fashioned bulky hearing aids, new technological advances have resulted in small, almost invisible hearing devices that are both comfortable and discreet.

"due to my extensive training, my staff and I can help patients with balance problems, hearing issues, allergies, snoring, and sleep apnea," notes Dr. Menachof. "We offer a variety of treatment methods for these health and wellness concerns."

Michael R. Menachof, MD (advancedentdenver.com) received his Medical Doctorate degree from the University of California at San Francisco, consistently ranked as one of the top five medical schools in the country. He graduated in the top 5% of his class and was awarded placement in the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society. Dr. Menachof remained at the University of California Hospitals to pursue his training in Head and Neck Surgery and Facial Plastic Surgery. He has served the Denver metro area from his practice, the Center for Aesthetic Facial Surgery, since 1992. He is board-certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology.

For the original version on PRWeb visit: prweb.com/releases/prweb2011/03/prweb5130304.htm

More News in this Category

BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) – the spring allergy season has struck Alabama early, and people across the Birmingham metro area are already complaining about itchy eyes and runny noses.Tree pollen levels are already high and trees are starting to bloom across the area. Allergists say this typically starts in March, but it's happening a few weeks ahead of schedule due to the recent warm weather. as a result, people are starting to flood doctor's offices at the Alabama Allergy and Asthma Center looking for relief.”Especially with trees, eye symptoms tend to be prominent,” said Dr. Kay Knight at the Alabama Allergy and Asthma Center. “We're seeing itchy, watery eyes, nasal congestion, throat drainage.  those types of things are common from tree pollen.”Dr. Knight said there are simple things you can do to get some relief.  try to avoid spending time outdoors, and if you do, shower and change you clothes afterwards, keep windows to your house closed, and take an over the counter antihistamine if you start to feel bad.  she said while the season may be starting early, it is still difficult to tell if this will be an especially bad year for allergies.”A lot of it will depend on rainfall patterns,” said Dr. Knight, “If we stay warm,  it could be a long and exasperating pollen season.”Copyright 2011 WBRC. All rights reserved.

Q. My 5- year-old daughter had such terrible spring allergies last year. is there anything I can do to prevent the same symptoms this year?

When a person with allergies is exposed to an allergic trigger such as pollen, the body releases chemicals called leukotrienes and histamine. these chemicals then cause the symptoms we classically associate with allergies: sneezing, itchy watery eyes and runny nose.

Most conventional allergy medications target these chemicals to prevent allergy symptoms. Allergy medications are most effective if started prior to the allergen exposure, ideally one to two weeks before allergy season, says the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.

Pollen counts can vary depending on climate and weather. in the Southeast, tree pollen will be on the rise in late February; therefore, spring allergy sufferers need to start taking their allergy medications now to get the maximum benefits.

If your child’s allergies were poorly controlled last spring, then this would also be a good time to visit the pediatrician or allergist and review her treatment plan. when pollen counts are high, it is also important to bathe children after playing outside and to keep car and house windows closed to reduce pollen exposure.

If allergy symptoms persist, allergy shots (immunotherapy) may be recommended. for more information about spring allergies and local pollen counts visit aaaai.org .

Dr. Patt is a pediatrician with Charlotte Pediatric Clinic and president of the Charlotte Pediatric Society. she blogs for MomsCharlotte.com. E-mail questions to living@charlotteobserver.com and put “pediatrician” in the subject line.

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