With New England’s difficult winter finally behind us, the warmer months are approaching—and so is allergy season. For many people, the transition brings familiar challenges: sneezing, coughing, itchy and watery eyes, runny noses, and increased pollen in the air.
Allergies affect more than 50 million Americans annually. To help residents prepare, CHA Cambridge Hospital’s Ayesha Khalid, MD, FACS, an ENT physician, and Jaime Silva, PA-C, have shared insights on what the upcoming season may bring by addressing frequently asked questions.
Are allergies the same for everyone?
Seasonal pollen allergies differ from person to person. Year-round allergies, however, can develop in those sensitive to dust mites, animal dander, or molds.
What is the difference between allergies and a cold?
Histamine triggers allergy symptoms including itchy, watery eyes and nasal irritation. A cold, by contrast, is caused by a viral infection.
How are allergies treated?
Antihistamine medications are the standard treatment for allergies. Nasal steroids or pseudoephedrine may address specific symptoms. For those whose symptoms persist year-round or remain uncontrolled with medication, allergy shots or allergy drops may be options worth exploring.
What other strategies can people use?
Research indicates that controlling dust and pet dander allergies involves removing bedroom carpets and rugs, using dust covers on pillowcases, and placing a HEPA filter near the bed.
What else can people do to survive allergy season? Are there home remedies?
Over-the-counter saline rinses can effectively clear allergens from nasal passages and sinuses while moisturizing the area, particularly when used alongside nasal allergy sprays.
Those experiencing severe or worsening symptoms should schedule an appointment with their physician. The Massachusetts Department of Health and Human Services offers additional resources as well.
About Cambridge Health Alliance
Cambridge Health Alliance is an academic community health system serving Cambridge, Somerville and Boston’s metro-north communities with a commitment to high-quality care. The system provides primary care, specialty care, and mental health and substance use services to diverse and complex populations. It operates three hospital campuses, a network of primary care and specialty practices, and the Cambridge Public Health Dept. Through its affiliation with Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, CHA patients access advanced care. As a Harvard Medical School teaching affiliate, CHA also partners with Harvard School of Public Health, Harvard School of Dental Medicine and Tufts University School of Medicine. For more information, visit www.challiance.org.