can bring misery to each year.
Tree, grass, and other pollens can cause runny noses, itchy eyes, coughing and sneezing.
Where you live and what you’re allergic to can make a big difference in , but there are many things you can do to feel better.
Here are some tips from experts to keep allergies at bay — maybe even enough to allow you to enjoy the outdoors.
WHICH POLLENS CAUSE ALLERGIES?
There are three main types of pollen. Earlier in the spring, tree pollen is the main culprit. After that grasses pollinate, followed by weeds in the late summer and early fall.
Some of the most common tree pollens that cause allergies include birch, cedar, cottonwood, maple, elm, oak and walnut, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Grasses that cause symptoms include Bermuda, Johnson, rye and Kentucky bluegrass.
TRACK POLLEN LEVELS, THEN PLAN YOUR DAY
The best and first step to controlling allergies is avoiding exposure. That’s easier said than done when it’s nice out.
Start with keeping your windows closed at home and in the car, avoiding going out when pollen counts are highest and changing clothes when you get home. The same masks that got us through the pandemic can protect you from allergies — though they won’t help with eye symptoms.
Pollen trackers can help with planning. The American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology tracks levels through a network of counting stations across the U.S. Counts are available . HOW TO RELIEVE ALLERGY SYMPTOMS
You can’t fight an enemy you don’t know.
Since many Americans are allergic to several things at once, the first thing to figure out is what specifically you’re allergic to, said Dr. Nana Mireku, in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
Over-the-counter nasal sprays can help relieve symptoms, but they take a while to kick in, so it’s best to start them in early in the season, said Dr. Rachna Shah, an allergist and director of the .
Antihistamines are another option. Shah said she’s seen some patients benefit from switching to a similar brand if one stops working, but said that there isn’t much broader data to back the recommendation.
For young children and people who have to take many different allergy medications, immunotherapies in the form of shots and oral drops can help desensitize the immune system to allergens, treating symptoms at their root.
WHERE ARE POLLEN LEVELS THE WORST?
The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America issues of the most challenging cities to live in if you have allergies, based on over-the-counter medicine use, pollen counts and the number of available allergy specialists. This year, the top five were Wichita, Kansas; Virginia Beach, Virginia; Greenville, South Carolina; Dallas; and Oklahoma City.
IS ALLERGY SEASON CHANGING?
If you’ve been thinking it started earlier and seems longer this year, you’re on to something.
Shah usually starts looking at pollen counts in the Chicago area in April. But this year, she peeked at her data in mid-February, and tree pollen was already at a “moderate” level.
"This season has been so nuts," she said. "Granted, it was a pretty mild winter, but I didn't expect it to be so early."
Shah said she believes this season will be longer than other years, assuming the weather remains warm.
Experts say climate change has led to .
Patients can now consult with a variety of doctors without leaving their comfort of their home thanks to telemedicine. However, this does not imply that in-person doctor visits should be completely abandoned.
Finding the right balance between virtual and in-person consultations can be crucial in receiving the best possible care.
Here’s what you need to know about which type of care may be most suitable for you and in what situations.
WHAT IS TELEMEDICINE?
Telemmedicine typically involves the remote diagnosis and treatment of patients. This is usually conducted via a secure video connection provided by the doctor's office, and can be accessed using a smartphone, tablet, or computer.
Additionally, telemedicine can entail exchanging secure messages with a healthcare professional from your doctor's office to discuss test results or further steps following an appointment.
It is also used to diagnose new health issues and to monitor existing, long-term conditions such as diabetes.
WHAT’S THE BUZZ?
These virtual consultations can save time and provide patients with a wider range of doctor options. This is especially beneficial for individuals who live in areas with limited in-person care options or for patients who cannot take time off work to visit the doctor or do not have access to transportation.
The popularity of telemedicine surged after the onset of COVID-19 in 2020. Although it has slowed down since, it remains more popular than it was before the pandemic, especially in specialties like dermatology or mental health care.
Telemedicine services are available in every state. Moreover, many companies offer subscription-based models focused on virtual care. With these services, patients pay a regular fee for doctor visits and mail-order prescriptions to treat conditions such as high blood pressure, anxiety, or hair loss.
WHAT ARE THE KEYS TO A VALUABLE VISIT?
Before your virtual visit begins, ensure that your phone or tablet is ready. You will want to verify that both the audio and video functions are working properly. You might need some time to adjust your device settings.
Make certain you are in a room or location that provides privacy, especially for therapy sessions. A work cubicle, library, or restaurant with public Wi-Fi are not suitable options.
Refrain from driving, walking, or eating while speaking with your doctor. These activities are not only unsafe but can also prove to be distracting for both the patient and the physician, according to Dr. Jay Lee, a family physician who conducts both in-person and virtual visits.
WHAT ARE THE LIMITS?
Telemedicine requires a stable, high-speed internet connection, and some patients or doctors may not have the necessary technology for a virtual visit.
Certain physical examinations can only be conducted in person.
For instance, someone seeking assistance for a urinary tract infection, which can be treated via telemedicine, might actually have gallbladder issues. An ultrasound would be necessary during an in-person visit, notes Lee, a board member of the American Academy of Family Physicians.
There may also be limitations to receiving telemedicine from doctors outside your state. Pandemic emergency declarations that eased these restrictions have since been lifted.
This can complicate follow-up care if a patient travels to see a specialist.
"There aren’t that many pediatric specialists available for all the different conditions that can affect children," said Krista Drobac, the founder of the Alliance for Connected Care, which advocates for the use of telemedicine.
WHAT’S THE RIGHT BALANCE?
The appropriate balance can depend on a patient's comfort level with telemedicine and the nature of their treatment needs.
In some cases, there may not be a balance if a patient does not have access to an in-person option or if scheduling such a visit is challenging.
If possible, Lee suggests starting with an in-person visit followed by telemedicine follow-ups. He believes that initial in-person visit is essential for any doctor or specialist you expect to see frequently.
"Both the physician and patient need to determine whether they ‘click,’ that they can get along and that they can work together," he said.
Copyright Source: Yueke
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