Change Font Size:

News Releases / Full Story

April 19, 2007

Breathe Easy: Dean Allergists Provide Tips for Surviving Spring Allergies

MADISON, WI – People suffering from allergic rhinitis (hay fever) can breathe easy this spring if they know how to take control with three key survival techniques, according to Dean’s Allergy and Immunology specialists. They are urging people with seasonal allergies to get tested, get treated and get better.

“Many of the people who have allergic rhinitis often unnecessarily tolerate symptoms during peak seasons,” says Brent Kooistra, MD, Dean Allergist. “There are a variety of treatment options available that can control this condition and help those suffering not only survive peak allergy season, but actually feel good.”

Dean allergists urge those with seasonal allergies to get tested to determine the precise cause of their symptoms. With an accurate allergy diagnosis, symptoms can be effectively treated and controlled using a combination of treatment approaches, including:

• Allergen avoidance – reducing exposure to the things that trigger allergy symptoms, such as molds, pollens, dust and pet dander. Avoidance is the best allergy treatment and should be continued even when taking medication or receiving immunotherapy.
• Medication – taking antihistamines, decongestants and inhaled medications (nasal steroids and antihistamines) to control symptoms including sneezing, watery eyes, runny nose and congestion. Today’s medications for allergies are better than ever and generally do not cause side effects such as drowsiness and dry mouth.
• Immunotherapy – receiving allergy shots to gradually decrease sensitivity and build immunity to the environmental triggers that cause allergy symptoms. Allergy shots often reduce and may even eliminate the need to take medication and are recommended when patients don’t respond well to medications, experience side-effects from medications or are exposed to an allergen year-round.

Exciting new treatment options are on the horizon. Dean Allergists are currently conducting a study about a new type of allergy injection therapy that shows promise for those suffering from seasonal allergies caused by grass pollen and ragweed. The treatment could be ideal for patients who do not tolerate other treatment option or for whom traditional allergy injection therapy may not be a good alternative. Get information at Dean Foundation's website or call (608) 823-7013.

According to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, more than 50 million Americans have some type of allergy. The fifth-leading cause of chronic illness in the U.S., hay fever is one of the most common allergies, affecting 10-30% of the population. Hay fever is caused by an allergy to the pollen from trees, grasses or weeds, or the spores of molds. Typical symptoms are sneezing, itchy and watery eyes, runny nose and a burning sensation on the palate or in the throat. The condition is often associated with other ailments including asthma, sinusitis, ear infections, nasal polyps, respiratory infections, sleep disorders and orthodontic problems.

“By encouraging people to get an accurate allergy diagnosis and increasing awareness of all allergy treatment options, we hope people will find the treatments that are the most effective and best suited to their lifestyle,” says Dr. Kooistra. “The end result will be that they get better, controlling their allergies rather than letting their allergies control them.”

Dean’s Allergy and Immunology specialists are part of Dean Health System, one of the largest multi-specialty group practices in the United States, serving patients for the past 100 years.

Learn more:
Dean Allergy & Immunology Services