Surviving Allergy Season

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Created on Friday, 04 April 2014 13:59

Written by Matthew Drew

VERMONT - Spring hasn't quite sprung in the Northeast Kingdom just yet, but that isn't holding back those dreaded allergies. It's allergy season yet again and many people don't know how to tame their symptoms.

Trees are starting to bud and grass is slowly starting to peek it's way through the snow. That means just one thing: Spring is right around the corner. With spring comes sunshine, warm weather, flowers, and allergies. Allergies can be developed at almost any age and during any time of the year. Allergies tend to get worse this time of year due to the rise in pollen.

"Winter time tends to not be an issue with allergies. We see a big peak in the spring and we have patients that come in every week for allergy shots." Said Nurse Abby Provost.

It's no secret that this will be a wet spring, and that is going to cause mold. Mold is a common allergy that forms from soggy area's that receive some type of heat. 

"Summertime allergies are usually a result of mold. In the summer it's prime mold season." Said Provost.

A good example would be a basement that may have flooded from the melting snow. It's imperative to be aware of what you are and are not allergic to.

There are many over the counter medicines that can help with everyday allergies. Provost recommends that if you have daily allergies, to use Claritin. Beware of Benadryl as it contains a substance that can make you sleepy. She also said that if you start to have respiratory issues with allergies, then it's important to see an expert.

"Get to a doctor and get yourself tested for certain allergies," Said Provost. "They'll make 50 to 100 scratch marks on your back and run certain things over them to see if you react. If you do, then they may prescribe allergy shots once or twice a week."

The best way to manage your allergies is to just make sure you are aware of what you are allergic to and if you're unsure, consult your doctor.