Problematic pollen

Itchy, watery eyes, sneezing and a runny nose are definite signs that allergy season has ascended upon eastern North Carolina.

"I tell patients to avoid (allergy) triggers, but that's not easy because pollen's everywhere," Sue Barnett, family nurse practitioner at Kinston Community Health Center, said.

Accuweather meteorologist Josh Newhard attributed elevated pollen levels in Kinston to oak, sweet gum, poplar, aspen and cottonwood trees growing in the area.

"This is the season of allergies because of the pollen," KCHC family nurse practioner Marsha Lovick said.

Lovick said she urges her patients to take "pollen precautions," such as keeping house and car windows closed, using air purifiers and adjusting lifestyle.

"You don't want those yellow dust particles in your house or car because that's what starts the inflammatory process in the nose," she said. "I can fill (a) room with medicine, but as long as the (patient) is exposed to the allergen they're going to have symptoms."

Parents should also encourage children to practice good handwashing.

"When (children) come in from the outside they should wash their hands because if they start rubbing their eyes or nose with hands that are covered in pollen that's going to trigger allergies," Lovick said.

Eliminating allergens is the first step to preventing flare-ups, but after symptoms are present a number of treatments can be explored. Options range from over-the-counter medications to allergy shots.

"If you don't have any medical problems like diabetes, high blood pressure, congestive heart failure or thyroid disease then it's OK to try something over-the-counter," KCHC Dr. Jennifer Roberson said. "If you have any of these conditions I recommend that you see a doctor.

"A lot of over-the-counter medications contain decongestant medication that can interfere with medication or raise blood pressure."

Claritin and Zyrtec are two OTCs recommended by Lovick, who said both are non-sedating and require a single dose each day.

Children under the age of two should be seen by a physician for a medical assessment instead of taking OTCs.

The Seaboard Allergy and Asthma Clinic, located on Queen Street, administers allergy shots to thousands of patients.

Certified medical assistant Ann Hodges said she gives between 35 and 40 injections at SAAC each day. Patients must undergo an allergy test before receiving treatment.

"(Treatment) depends on the patient's (allergy) test and history," Dr. Leonor Carrarsco, allergy and asthma specialist at SAAC, said.

Individuals should begin taking allergy medications in mid-March to reduce symptoms.

"It's much better to start the medicine before you have the first symptom because you're already behind if you have the first symptom and then start the medicine," Lovick said.

Sarah Campbell can be reached at (252) 559-1076 or scampbell@freedomenc.com. Check out Sarah's blog at scampbell.encblogs.com.

By the numbers

50 million: Americans suffer from all types of allergies

17 million: Outpatient office visits for allergies

$7 billion: Annual estimated cost of allergies

Source: Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America

Weekend pollen forecast

Today  - High

Sunday - Moderate

Monday - Moderate