Vanderbilt Asthma, Sinus and Allergy Program

Springtime Leaves Many Seeking Allergy Relief

NASHVILLE, TENN. (March 22, 2013) – Springtime is beautiful in Middle Tennessee but if you suffer from seasonal allergies, you may be looking to the season with dread not anticipation.

Trees kick off the allergy season in early March with willow, oak, birch and elm tree pollens among the culprits behind itching, watery eyes, and sneezing. Soon after, in April, the grasses join the pollen line-up, with no relief till mid- to late summer.

“There is no break between tree and grass pollen season,  so if someone suffers from both, spring can be especially challenging,” says John Fahrenholz, M.D., assistant professor of Medicine and medical director of the Vanderbilt Asthma, Sinus and Allergy Program (ASAP).

Seasonal allergies cause itchy, runny nose and eyes, sneezing and nasal congestion. For those who also have asthma, spring allergies can trigger coughing, wheezing and breathing difficulty.

“For asthma severity and control, think of the ‘rule of 2s’ – if you are reaching for that rescue inhaler more than twice a week apart from exercise you aren’t under good control and should see your doctor,” Fahrenholz said.

Fahrenholz offers these tips for surviving the spring allergy season:

• Stay indoors and use the air conditioning when pollen counts are high.
• Keep windows closed when traveling in a vehicle, keep vents clean and recirculate the air.
• Pollen counts are highest in the morning so plan outdoor activities with that mind.
• For milder allergy symptoms, an over-the-counter antihistamine may help.
• Newer medications (Allegra, Zyrtec, Claritin or generic forms) tend to be easier to tolerate than older antihistamines (Benadryl or generic forms) that cause drowsiness.
• Try a nasal saline irrigation to ease and prevent symptoms. Use ½ teaspoon of salt in eight ounces of warm distilled or filtered water. Do not use tap water.
• Be careful about taking over-the-counter decongestants or sprays. Pills can elevate blood pressure or cause other side effects, and nose sprays, while offering some short-term relief, can cause more congestion if you use them too long. Talk to your doctor if you need a decongestant.

If over-the-counter approaches don’t provide relief, don’t suffer in silence; see an allergy specialist. Prescription medications including antihistamine or steroid nasal sprays may provide the needed relief. In some cases, a course of immunotherapy (allergy shots) may be recommended.

Even if your allergies are seasonal, you may wish to consider being tested for other “background” allergies. Effects of the body’s allergic response are additive, meaning indoor allergies to pets or other triggers may make the effects of seasonal allergens that much worse, Fahrenholz said.

One last piece of advice: if your allergies seem worse than usual, it is always possible that it’s a really bad season. But it also could be a chronic sinus infection, which comes on more gradually than an acute infection. See your doctor to rule out infection requiring antibiotics.

For more information or to make an appointment, visit www.VanderbiltAllergy.com

Inhaler Technique - Demonstration of the correct technique for using your inhaler and explains why the correct technique is so important for treating your asthma. 

Sinus Rinse - Sinus rinsing has proven to be a beneficial therapy to treat and prevent sinus infections and allergic rhinitis.  This is a demonstration of the correct way to sinus rinse.

Food Allergies vs. Food Intolerance

Food Allergies - EE -  VASAP’s Dr. Jane Choi and Dr. Michael Vaezi, Clinical/Research Director of the Vanderbilt Digestive Disease Center discuss symptoms and treatment for eosinophiliac esophagiti

New Treatment for Sinus Problems – Dr. James Duncavage, Professor and Vice-Chair of Vanderbilt’s Department of Otolaryngology, discusses a balloon dilation procedure for chronic sinusitis

Solutions to Food Allergies and Sinus Problems - Research – Drs. David Hagaman, John Fahrenholz and Michael Vaezi discuss new research and potential treatments for eosinophiliac esophagitis, sinusitis and asthma

Asthma Action Plan - How to create your an action plan and use it effectively.

Nasal Spray Technique - Demonstration of the best nasal spray technique for treating your allergies. 

Dust Mite Avoidance - If you have allergies or asthma, dust may be a major concern and worsen your condition.  Here are some steps to take to avoid dust mites in your home.

Living Well With Allergies

In our 6-part video series, we explore what aggravates your allergies
and which allergy treatments work; asthma solutions to help you breathe
easier; mold and its dangers to your health; sinus surgery and its
benefits; clinical trials that have helped allergy and asthma sufferers;
and extra asthma and allergy tips for all of us.

Click the links below to view (Windows Media Player required):

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Breathe Easier

Your nose, sinuses, throat, and lungs are all connected.  Doesn't it make sense that the doctors who treat them are, too?  At the Vanderbilt Asthma Sinus Allergy Program (A.S.A.P.), they are.

A.S.A.P., developed by physicians at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, is the first coordinated multi-specialty program in the country dedicated to the evaluation, treatment, and management of airway diseases.  Patients have access to a total care system that encompasses evaluation, treatment, resolution, and management – all conveniently located under one roof.

Vanderbilt A.S.A.P. is part of Vanderbilt University Medical Center, which consistently ranks among the premier health care facilities in the United States.  Serving approximately 4.5 million people, we are a major patient referral center for the Southeast region – a center that satisfied patients keep returning to again and again.

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