Preparing for Seasonal Allergies
07/21/2008

Well it may still be cool and not yet warm and sunny, but the allergy season is literally just around the corner. Global warming is likely one of the reasons that record pollen levels are being measured which affect your chances of developing allergies and of course suffering!

My patient's are given pre-seasonal allergy survival tips that will allow them to prepare and be successful in conquering early allergy symptoms! The key is early and preventive treatment to offset and reduce your seasonal itchy and watery eyes, sneezing and stuffed nose you expect during the springtime.

Okay, have you been tested? A simple way to pinpoint exactly what you are allergic to is to have skin tests performed by an allergist who will provide immediate answers to as to whether you will suffer from seasonal allergies this spring or summer. If you are sensitive to seasonal tree pollens (typically trees pollens are released first, after which grass pollens follow) then your best offense is to pre-treat for early symptoms and have a supply of medications on hand for the familiar seasonal sniffles which will inevitably follow.

Many allergy sufferers don't realize that you need to start your allergy medications before the symptoms begin for better control, now and down the road. For example, a daily non-drowsy antihistamine can help to reduce sneezing and itchiness of eyes, nose and throat once the season starts. Additionally, other medications such as nasal sprays can help with nasal and sinus congestion, a very common complaint due to allergies.

So, get started as soon as possible so you can have a seasonal allergy action plan! Stay tuned for some further allergy tips in the next blog. Check out www.aaaai.org, www.acaai.org and my educational website www.bassett.yourmd.com (see under "news appearances") for more information on seasonal allergies and your local neighborhood pollen count at www.aaaai.org/nab.

Cliff Bassett, MD, is a licensed practitioner of allergy, asthma and immunology who has been engaged by Revolution Health. No information in this blog is intended to diagnose or treat any condition. The opinions expressed here are my own and do not necessarily reflect those of Revolution Health.

Allergy Alert: Allergies Could Be Causing Your Dark Circles!
07/21/2008

What are those dark circles beneath my eyes?

More than half of my female patients have darkened areas beneath their eyelids, otherwise known as “allergic shiners”. Almost an equal number use eye concealers and foundation make-up for the big “cover up”. “How did I get these?” Good question, in many cases this unsightly physical finding is directly related to allergies and to your inflamed sinuses.

The best way to prevent this is to choose your parents wisely! No joke, allergies are generally inherited from our parents and when they affect us we need to act and get proper treatment, which in many cases will improve the “shiners”. Allergy injections, medications and sinus care may provide relief allowing your dark circles to lessen.

Another strategy that helps is to place a cool compress at the end of a long work day over your eyes, too. Also, gently irrigating your eyelids once a day with tear-free shampoo can assist in removing airborne pollutants and those pesky seasonal allergens thus lessening your “allergic shiners.”