Spring Has Sprung In Virginia!

By Stephanie Ruth-Strange, FNP-BC

Ashburn Sterling Internal Medicine & Pediatrics

More Family/Primary Care Articles

Spring Has Sprung In Virginia!

After a record-setting winter, paralyzing snow storms and icy conditions, most of us are ready for spring like never before! Mild sunny days, daffodils, and cherry blossoms will be a welcome sight here in Northern Virginia. Unfortunately, those fresh green lawns and gardens may also bring symptoms of seasonal allergies.

“Atopy” is the term used to describe the predisposition for hypersensitivity to allergens. Atopic disorders include a wide spectrum of clinical conditions dermatitis, conjunctivitis, rhinitis, and asthma. Allergic rhinitis is one of the most common chronic atopic disorders, and can present itself with a wide range of both typical and atypical symptoms from congestion, itching and sneezing, to headache, sore throat, cough and malaise. It's really annoying to have to deal with these symptoms. As a result, many kids (and their parents!) ignore their symptoms, but the truth is that atopic disorders compromise your immune system, make you more susceptible to subsequent illnesses, and hinder your overall wellbeing.

Never fear! Allergies and allergy symptoms can and should be managed. Chronic allergic rhinitis can lead to complications, so plan ahead and manage your symptoms. There are four major approaches to management

Allergen avoidance Environmental control and limit exposures (go ahead and play outside, but peel off those play clothes and rinse off your skin when you step in the house!)

Pharmacotherapy A step-wise approach based on frequency and severity of your symptoms (know the difference between controller medications and rescue medications!)

Immunotherapy A long-term solution for specific allergen needs (and there is a lot of new technology in this area!)

Clean other irritants out of your home and diet (there IS a cumulative effect!)

It can be an overwhelming task to stroll down the “Cough & Cold” aisle at the local drug store. Where does one start? There is a recommended, evidence-based approach to the clinical management of allergies. It's never too late to start gathering information www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000813.htm

So, accept the challenge! Don't let your allergy symptoms run your life. Stay one step ahead of your atopic disease; meet with your provider, come up with a plan, and manage your condition. Then get back out and enjoy the spring, symptom free at the park, on the playground, on a hike, out enjoying the great outdoors!

Happy Spring!