Jeffrey Bryant is used to the discomforts of hay fever in spring, when trees normally bloom in his hometown of Louisville, Ky. this year was different: Bryant felt his symptoms come on with a vengeance when it was still January, the Wall Street Journal reported.

“It’s never been as bad as this and never started as early,” Bryant said. the 48-year-old computer programmer usually relies on medications to ease his coughing, sneezing and other symptoms. Now, he is working with his doctor to get started on a series of shots that he hopes will control his allergies within a few weeks.

Mild winter temperatures in many parts of the country—the fourth warmest winter since record-keeping began—have triggered an unusually early release of pollen from trees. that bodes badly for the millions of people who suffer from allergic rhinitis—commonly known as hay fever.

Allergists are predicting a longer, and more intense, allergy season than normal. once people have been exposed to the early pollen, essentially priming the immune system to react to the allergens, there is little chance of relief even if temperatures cool down again. this priming effect can bring on even more severe symptoms for allergy patients, especially those with asthma, says Neil Kao, an allergist in Greenville, S.C.

Medications, including eye drops, antihistamines and nasal sprays, can relieve hay-fever symptoms for many people. For greatest effect, these products usually need to be used just before any exposure to pollen, says Stanley Fineman, an allergy specialist in Marietta, Ga. But this year “we didn’t catch it in time because we didn’t know the pollen was going to start so early,” said Fineman, who also is president of the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, which represents allergists. Weather websites often signal when local pollen counts start to rise.

More aggressive treatments, including immune-boosting allergy shots, are also available, and specialists expect more patients may pursue these remedies this year if their symptoms are worse than normal.

Different pollens serve as triggers to different people. Allergy shots, which administer escalating doses of the offending allergens, work like a vaccine to create resistance in the patient. But these can take several months to become effective. Doctors increasingly are recommending faster treatment protocols that deliver the shots over a shorter period and can bring relief within a few weeks.

Allergists also may offer the same type of immunotherapy in the form of drops under the tongue, which patients can use at home after an initial visit. Pharmaceutical firms are developing immunotherapy tablets, to be taken orally, including one from Merck & co. that has been shown in trials to reduce symptoms of ragweed allergy.

Other researchers are investigating new methods to give patients faster and more effective allergy relief, such as delivering the allergens through the skin or by way of the lymph nodes.

As many as 30 percent of children and up to 40 percent of adults suffer from seasonal allergies that cause reactions such as sneezing, itching, stuffy nose, and watery eyes. Trees are one of the earliest plants to release pollen, followed later by pollen from grass and flowering plants. For example, high concentrations of tree pollen in Kansas City, Mo., Tuesday came mainly from juniper, elm and maple trees, according to data compiled by the National Allergy Bureau, part of research group American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Ditto for Atlanta, where the top offenders were pine, oak and birch.

Some studies suggest climate change, by promoting longer blooming seasons, may increase the prevalence of certain allergens and the time during which people are exposed to them. Warmer temperatures also can boost concentrations of mold, another allergen that is usually killed by colder weather, said James Sublett, the Louisville allergy specialist treating Mr. Bryant.

Improved medications have been introduced to treat allergy symptoms in recent years, including antihistamines, nasal steroid sprays and drugs that block inflammatory chemicals produced by the body. the products are generally safe and effective. But in a large survey of adults presented at an annual allergy conference in 2006, about a third of respondents said they switched medication either because of a lack of effectiveness or side effects.

Unlike medication, allergy shots can potentially lead to lasting remission of symptoms after three to five years.

The treatment, which is formally known as subcutaneous immunotherapy and is generally covered by health insurance plans, may also help prevent development of asthma and new allergies. the shots are typically given once or twice a week for about five months, after which their frequency is reduced.

Growing in popularity is a faster treatment, known as “cluster” therapy, that involves two to four injections one day a week for three weeks. Patients’ own immune systems are mobilized and able to counteract naturally occurring allergens often within a few weeks, says Richard Weber, an allergy specialist at National Jewish Health in Denver. Risks include an increased chance of irritation at the injection site and a possibly serious reaction to the allergen.

Rachel Lowe, a 40-year-old plastic-surgery nurse in Marietta, Ga., recently started cluster shots recommended by Fineman after her allergies kicked in in early February. “I always dread when everything is in bloom because my allergies are so bad that I need to lock myself indoors sometimes and can’t enjoy the spring,” she said.

Some physicians are administering drops under the tongue, known as sublingual immunotherapy, that contain the same substances used in shots. the technique has been used since the 1980s in Europe, where it has been shown to produce lasting remissions in long-term use. It doesn’t have U.S. regulatory approval, but some doctors give it to patients anyway as an “off-label” use of the substance.

Click here to read more from the Wall Street Journal.

I have spring and summer allergies and they are in full force. I wake up and my nose is stuffed, my ears are plugged, my eyes are puffy and my mouth is dry from snoring all night. it takes a few hours for my head to drain and with an allergy pill I'm usually o.k. for the day but it just seems to build back up during the night. what are some pill usages or types of allergy meds or other remedies that can make my mornings not suck?

Try Zyrtec.. it helps. and doing a nose-spray treatment, you could try gargling before you go to bed and after you wake up, using breath-right strips at night, and propping your head up more. also you might what to dust and vacuum every day..if it gets worse, your doctor can hook you up with good allergy inhibitors. good luck.

most allergies symptoms are caused by bacteria and pollen that build up in your sinus creating mucus and pressure in your head. the best way is to rinse out your nose with a betti neti pot. its a very simple process with NO side effects besides breathing clearly haha.
dont use plastic ones though because the chemicals in the plastic eventually break down and cause more problems. go with ceramic made netis. i have a betti pot and it works wonders. feel better!

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.”

just please write what allergies are and what are the symptoms and how can they be treated if you are 13. Please and thank you.

Allergy symptoms can include red, itchy eyes, scratchy throat, sneezing, stuffy nose. They are treated with antihistamines. a 13 year old can take an antihistamine. a good one to try is Benadryl. Allergies are caused by an allergic reaction by your body to some foreign substance. People can be allergic to a variety of things, such as dust, pollen, animals, and a bazillion other things.

Frequent sneezing without any fever or systemic symptoms such as tiredness, fatigue, pains and aches (which suggest infection).
Severe allergies can cause blood pressure to drop and difficulty in breathing and can be fatal.

Itchy eyes, itchy throat/mouth, itchy ears even! Runny nose, stuffy nose, stuffy head, red eyes.

If you're having an allergic reaction to something like something you ate symptoms will probably be different.

Try something over the counter first like clariton. it is available in generic form too, it is pretty weak and I tried it and it did nothing for me Benadryl is also nice if your allergies are bad, it always made mine a bit better but also put me right to sleep which was less than optimal.

If your allergies persist see a doctor and try prescription meds. During the spring when my allergies are bad I take two nasal sprays and allegra (a pill). The rest of the year I take nothing.

If these don't work your doctor can test you for what exactly you are allergic to and you can get shots that will make you non allergic. Sounds bad, but if your allergies are this bad you'll want shots!

Lots of things can cause allergies, you could be allergic to pets, dust, mold, summer, fall, spring, hay, grass, pollen, smoke, etc.

Symptoms of allergies:
– itchy and watery eyes
– itchy skin that can lead to eczema
– difficulty in breathing
– anaphylaxis shock that can cause death.
Read about the symptoms of allergies here
allergy-attacks.com/2007/what…

You can prevent allergies by avoiding the triggers that set off your symptoms
allergy-attacks.com/2007/prev…

You may have several triggers. They can include an allergy to pet dander, allergy to mold, pollen allegy, food allergy, drug allergy etc. Identifying them can help you to avoid or prevent them.

Your doctor can of couse give you some medications for your allergy. However, long time reliance is not a good thing.
You can read about it here
allergy-attacks.com/2007/alle…

Common responses are nasal congestion,coughing,wheezing,itching,hiv… and other rashes,headache,and fatigue.The substances that provoke allergic responses are called allergens.The most common allergens include pollen,dust,certain metals(especially nickel),some cosmetics,lanolin,animal hair,insect venom,some drugs such as penicillin and aspirin,some food additives.Many people are allergic to mold.
Your doctor should be able to diagnosis you and give you medication to help with your symptoms.

theres many kinds of allergies, and symptoms vary depending on the person.
some can be treated, some cant exactly be treated.
they can be caused by everything and everything.
anyone can have severe allergies.
i recomend that the next time you see a doctor to ask him/her about allergies.

any one can have severe allergies. what do you think that you are allergic to? if it is a food, your mouth may feel itchy, or you may get a bump on your lip. if it is a non food allergy, you may suffer from red/ichy eyes, snezing, or head ahes

I have seasonal indoor and ourdoor allergies. it seems as though whenever I experience my other symptoms – sneezing, runny nose, etc. – the inside of my ears also itch like CRAZY. It's probably worse than the other symptoms. And no, my ears do not have a lot of wax build-up… it's ONLY when I am experiencing my allergies.

Has this happened to anyone else before? What do you do about it, other than rub your ear like an insane person? thanks!

that's how i am too. because im allergic to pollen it makes my throat itch sooooo bad and its like i feel it in my ear…so i start rubbing behind my ear… so YEA

YES!!! I'm alergic to everything and I HATE it when my ears itch.

Sinus infections are some of the difficult problems, with signs much like that of viral influenza or the frequent cold. The problem often goes unnoticed normally, until a persistent sinus infection manifests. there are 4 sets of sinuses positioned throughout the cranial cavity. The maxillary sinuses are found beneath the eyes within the maxillary bones. The Frontal sinuses are housed within the forehead , the ethmoid sinuses between the attention sockets. The fourth, the sphenoid sinuses are behind the eyes in the higher nasal cavity of the nose.The signs of sinus infection can vary from nasal congestion and stress, aching temples, fever, a runny nose and soreness across the eyes.What Is A Sinus Infection?A sinus an infection, additionally referred to as sinusitis, is when the sinuses develop into inflammed. Sinuses are air-stuffed cavities lined with a layer of mucous whose floor is roofed with of layer of sentimental tissue lined with small thick hair known as cilia. The perform mucosal lining’s objective is to protect the physique from miniscule foreign bodies corresponding to dust and pollen. The cilia helps to remove extra mucous from the body. The path of elimination is often from the stomach to the throat. This method protects the nasal passages from bacterial construct-up. Healthy functioning of the cilia is critical for good nasal health.Inefficient removing of the surplus mucous from the body can result in a blockage of the sinuses, which prevents natural ventilation. This then results in the bacterial or viral an infection we name sinusitis.Sinus An infection RemedyNow for some self-help therapies for sinus infections. one do-it-yourself natural remedy will be ready with 1 tablespoon of blackberry leaves, 2 fresh nettle tops, 600ml of one head meadowsweet and a sprig of contemporary peppermint. Boil all of the herbs together for 10 minutes. This recipe can be utilized to help stop sinus infections earlier than the approaching of summer. you may as well create an inhaling solution of eucalyptus, pine oil and water to helpful unclogging the sinuses. The mango fruit’s vitamin A content material additionally aids the formation of wholesome epithelium.A healthy intake of water day by day and inhaling steam helps to moisten and unclog the sinuses. Excess mucous may also be removed from the respiratory system with the assistance of expectorant drugs. An everyday painkiller will help relieve any associated ache and inflammation.Because sinus infections are often caused by micro organism, they are often handled with antibiotics. Acute sinusitis does not must be identified via special checks, as a CT scan can usually present the nasal passage, paranasal sinuses and surrounding buildings very clearly. A inexpensive and non-invasive diagnostic tool compared to the CT scan is the ultrasound. The medical group nonetheless doesn’t generally accept the ultrasound as a conclusive analysis device for sinus infections.

Low grade fevers 99-101.7 for 1 week, headaches, lots of sneezing, wheezing, and coughing, and also yellow phlegm, and I have a weird sharp pain in the area around my heart…. I'm 15ish years old…. (If that helps… ) all of the symptoms have been happening for about 3 weeks in total. I am not allergic to pollen or anything else except some airborne mold, and my house (supposedly) doesn't have that.

Respiratory Care – Time to Talk About Colds, Flu and Allergies

The natural health researchers at Institute for Vibrant Living (IVL) would like to thank Gillian Birch for contributing to this report:

As the winter months approach, this is the most common time for people to succumb to colds and flu. When you wake up in the morning with a swollen throat and a runny nose, how can you diagnose whether it is the beginning of a cold, flu or seasonal allergies? here are a few tips on how to treat all three possible problems, and better still, how to prevent them safely and naturally.

Allergies

Allergies may be caused by seasonal triggers, such as pollen, or caused by the environment, such as dust, smoke or mold. Allergy symptoms usually include itchy, watery eyes, sneezing and a runny nose. Allergies will come and go as you expose your body to the cause, so finding out what the cause of the allergy is, or at least identifying where and when it occurs, is the best way to deal with allergies safely and naturally.

If help is needed to alleviate the symptoms, there are several excellent sources of natural allergy treatment. look for natural allergy remedies based on olive leaf, blackcurrant and ginseng which will all help lessen the uncomfortable symptoms. Stinging nettle and quercetin are also powerful natural supplements which will fight allergies safely and naturally. if these do not offer relief, it may be necessary to resort to an over-the-counter antihistamine, although some products can cause drowsiness.

Colds

If a runny nose and itchy eyes are accompanied by coughing, a thicker nasal discharge, mild fever and fatigue, you are more likely to be suffering from a cold.

Colds are caused by viruses and are caught through contact, coughing or sneezing. keep your distance from anyone suffering with a cold, wash your hands frequently and use a hand sanitizer to minimize the spread of the virus. There is no magic cure for a cold, but drinking plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration, and taking a natural cold treatment will provide natural relief and shorten the length of time you are unwell.

Echinacea is known to support the immune system which fights viruses and harmful bacteria. It works well with garlic which was used by the Egyptians to keep their workers in top health. Ginger is another antiviral herb which helps reduce fever and induces rest. Vitamin C is also good for fighting cold symptoms naturally, so enjoy plenty of fresh fruit, blended as a drink to aid recovery.

Fighting a cold is important to avoid it developing into a more serious respiratory problem such as pneumonia or bronchitis. taking natural cold remedies and preventative herbal supplements are the best way to provide good lung care.

Influenza (Flu)

Like colds, flu is a virus which is spread through coughing and sneezing. Symptoms include a high fever, muscle aches and pains and bedrest is required. Prevention may include getting a flu shot if you are over 65 or have respiratory problems. Take plenty of drinks and a pain reliever if your temperature is high. Natural flu treatment should include elderberry extract, which has been found to strengthen the immune system and block the flu virus, and echinacea, one of the best natural flu remedies which may help reduce the duration of the flu.

Prevention Naturally

The best way to prevent colds and flu is to support your immune system which will fight off all types of bacteria and viruses naturally. Consider taking one of the natural herbal formulas to build up a strong immune system throughout the year, preventing any of these ailments whilst providing the best possible respiratory care.

we have recently moved from CA to GA and my 8 year old cat has started sneezing these past 2 days – no other symptoms – she is eating smaller amounts than usual and is using the litter box less often than usual. we recently cut the grass at our new house for the first time and I am concerned it might be allergies or its a cold developed due to the change in climate…….help…..I need advice.

my at is about 8 and she wheezes and snorts all the time and she's fine.

It might be pollen but if it's not an allergic reaction than she/he might be getting old.

My old cat was simply allergic to house dust!

I have a heavy, tight chest, I get a little dizzy from time to time, recently I've been getting these awful headaches, when I suck in a huge breath of air, my chest hurts just a little bit (nothing severe) and I have jaw and throat tightness from time to time. Are these symptoms associated with seasonal allergies or could it be some sort of food allergy that I don't realize or something totally unrelated to allergies? I'm allergic to cats, pollen, mold and bees.

might be an allergy but im not really sure what it is.
Check with your doctor.

10. Allergies***Not a big mumbo jumbo but still worth visit healtherrors.com/category/allergies about Allergies