RELIEF IN SIGHT FOR ALLERGY SUFFERERS; SPRING SEASON IS WINDING DOWN

The sneezing is lessening, watery eyes are returning to normal and skin blotches are beginning to clear up.

The spring allergy season is starting to wind down, and it can't be any too soon for allergy sufferers.

Angela Tripp, 24, of Cape Girardeau said the allergy season was especially bad for her. Every year during the spring and fall, allergic reactions to pollen and the sun cause the insides of her arms and backs of her legs to break out in red, itchy welts.

"It got so bad this year that I went to the hospital to get cortisone shots" to ease the discomfort, she said. She got antibiotics and prednizone to lessen the reaction.

She said the itching was so bad two weeks ago she had to see her doctor to get an antihistamine prescription.

Her experience isn't uncommon this time of year for many people.

Dr. Michael Critchlow, a physician at Mississippi Valley and Allergy Associates in Cape Girardeau, said June is a bad month for allergies, especially in this area for people allergic to grass pollens.

"Grass is really one of the most common types of allergens, and grass pollen peaks in June," he said. There is also an abundance of mold spores in the air this time of year due in part to local agricultural activity that stirs them up.

One of Critchlow's partners, Dr. Jean Chapman, found that agricultural activity sends a lot of mold spores and pollen into the air. A lot also is generated from weeds and grass seed, and ragweed is high in the area.

Critchlow said the most common type of allergen is dust mites, and they are worse this time of year in the area because of the humidity.

Tripp is also allergic to dust mites, cats, dogs, eggs and wheat, so she tries to avoid them. Avoidance, said Critchlow, is best to prevent reactions.

Staying inside helps prevent exposure to allergens. Also, people allergic to pets shouldn't have them. Cockroaches, which can spur hay fever and other allergic reactions, can be avoided with the use of insecticides. Leaving windows closed and the air conditioning on will cut down on pollen and other allergens from getting inside the house.

When staying inside isn't practical, there are some things people can do to cut down on allergies. When cutting grass, Critchlow recommends wearing a paper mask to prevent inhaling pollens. "Although, the best thing would be to have someone else mow the grass," he said.

People can also take medication to prevent or lessen allergic reactions. Antihistamines and decongestants work well for many allergy symptoms, but Critchlow said antihistamines often cause significant drowsiness and can cause prostate problems in men. He said prescription antihistamines have fewer side effects. If side effects from over-the-counter drugs can be tolerated, many are very effective.

Saltwater sprays available over the counter help with decongestion, and many of the antihistamines available over the counter also come with decongestants.

Critchlow doesn't recommend chronic use of over-the-counter antihistamine sprays because they are habit-forming. They are good for short-term use, but long-term use should be avoided.

For those who have a persistent problem or if allergies interfere with a person's lifestyle, weekly allergy shots are available.