The key to dealing with any allergy is prevention. At the first sign of an allergic reaction, it is important to get tested by an allergist. Immunotherapy and medications help alleviate symptoms and overcome many allergies. People who have a hereditary history of asthma and eczema also tend to be more susceptible to hay fever during this time. Symptoms of allergic rhinitis (hay fever) include: sneezing, itchy or sore throat, itchy or watery eyes, runny or stuffy nose, fatigue, or trouble sleeping. Extreme allergic reactions include asthma and even anaphylaxis. “You should seek treatment early in the season to prevent worse allergy attacks. It is important that those with allergies seek the assistance of an allergist,” said Dr. Michael P. Pacin of Florida Center For Allergy & Asthma Care. “There are many options for helping allergy sufferers, as well as simple steps people can take to avoid common allergens and help them enjoy the vibrancy of Spring.”
Dealing with Allergies to Spring Fruits and Vegetables Checklist
- Now is the peak season in South Florida for many of those favorite fruits and vegetables that most of us love. Knowing which ones you are allergic to is essential. These are the main ones in South Florida: blueberries, cantaloupe, bell peppers, carrots, celery, corn, eggplant, grapefruit, guava, mushrooms, oranges, papaya, potatoes, peanuts, squash, spinach, strawberries, tomatoes and watermelon.
- Avoid any kind of exposure to the fruits and vegetables that are known to cause your allergies. This includes consuming or touching the item as well.
- Always inquire about the ingredients when eating out. Even cross-contamination (the food causing the allergy touching another food you are consuming) can cause an allergic reaction.
- When dealing with children suffering from food allergies, always teach them to ask about ingredients as well and teaching them not to share food with others, since many times they are not familiar with what is in that food item.
- If you suffer from allergies, always carry an EpiPen or an epinephrine auto-injector, as well as your allergy medication.
Spring is here a bit early this year. Personally, I m not complaining because I love driving my Mini Cooper convertible with the top down. But for some, this early record-breaking warm weather, has caused trees, flowers and other plants to bloom earlier than usual and triggered their allergies—Atlanta experienced a record-high pollen count of just under 9,400 last week. And, with this year s allergy season projected to be lengthy and more severe than ever, runny noses, itchy eyes and ringing ears will be aggravating everyone longer. If you have pollen allergies, you may not be aware that some foods might trigger your symptoms. In fact, up to 70% of the more than 60 million American nasal allergy sufferers experience cross-reactions after eating certain foods. In most instances, it sfresh fruit, certain seeds and nuts, and raw, uncooked vegetables that cause the reactions.