Allergy season is here again

Photo By Jason Bortz | Lt. Cmdr. Julia Savitz, allergist, Naval Hospital Pensacola, performs an allergy test on a patient at NHP April 26. An allergist, like the one at NHP, may be able to identify the specific cause of allergies through a series of tests.  

FLORIDA, UNITED STATES

05.02.2016

Story by Jason Bortz 

NMRTC Pensacola

Fortunately, there are precautions that can be done to reduce allergies and medications that can help reduce symptoms.

“Allergic rhinitis, also known as hay fever, is an immunological response to allergens such as pollen, dust mites and dander from cats or dogs, said Lt. Cmdr. Julia Savitz, allergist, Naval Hospital Pensacola. “Allergies are one of the most common reasons patients visit their doctor; especially during the allergy season.”

The allergy season typically runs from spring to fall, but it can be longer in the Gulf Coast region due to the moderate climate. In this region, common allergies include grass, pollen and dust mites. Allergens like these can cause discomfort and can result in missed school or days at work.

“Unfortunately, exposure to allergens make the symptoms worse,” said Savitz, who is from Lakewood, Wash.

Dust mites are one of the most common allergies in this region and they live and multiply in warm, humid environments. Their particles are often found in pillows, mattresses and carpeting. To reduce exposure to dust mites, Savitz recommends vacuuming regularly, washing sheets weekly in hot water and using dust mite covers on mattresses and pillows. Unlike other allergies, dust mites tend to be year round and often do not have seasonal variation.

Pollens from grass, trees and weeds are hard to avoid because they can travel for many miles with the help of the wind, but there are steps that can be taken to manage exposure to them. Keeping windows closed during high pollen periods, wearing glasses or sunglasses when outdoors and showering after spending time outdoors will all help.

If all these precautions fail, there are medications that can help including over-the-counter intranasal steroids and oral antihistamines. If these medications are not effective or patients have more severe symptoms like trouble breathing or hives, they should visit their physician who may refer them to an allergist.

An allergist, like the one at NHP, may be able to identify the specific cause of allergies through a series of tests or by simply reviewing a patient’s medical history.

“If a patient has an allergic reaction every time they touch a dog or cat, then I know they are allergic to pet dander and can prescribe a treatment plan for them,” said Savitz. “For some patients further evaluation may involve skin testing or blood testing in addition to a detailed history.”

The cause of allergies or why some people are allergic to somethings and not others is not always known. Unfortunately, almost no one escapes the annual allergy season without at least mild reactions and discomfort. With medications and managing exposure to known allergens as best as possible, allergy season doesn’t have to be quite so bad.

When asked where the perfect place to live where there are no allergies, Savitz responded with a laugh, “Maybe in the middle of a desert.”

Appointments with NHP’s Allergy Clinic are by referral only and are available to all TRICARE beneficiaries. Patients enrolled to a Medical Home Port Team at NHP should contact their team first. Patients enrolled to a provider outside of NHP can call the Allergy Clinic at [phone] for more information.

• Date Taken: 05.02.2016
• Date Posted: 05.02.2016 13:57
• Story ID: 197067
• Location: FLORIDA, US