Parish Nurse Corner

 May is national Asthma and Allergy month.  That seems very appropriate for the outdoor allergy sufferers.  I thought I would focus on a review of outdoor allergies for all of us who feel the effects of this time of year.

Outdoor allergies (also called “seasonal allergic rhinitis” SAR), “hay fever” or “nasal” allergies occur when allergens that are commonly found outdoors are inhaled into the nose and the lungs causing allergic reactions.  Examples of commonly inhaled outdoor allergens are tree, grass and weed pollen and mold spores.  Other allergens exist outdoors, such as stinging insects and poisonous plants, but these are usually considered “contact” “skin” or “insect” allergens rather than “inhaled” allergens.  Soon the trees will bud and the lilacs will be in full bloom.  Pollen will be everywhere.  We are fortunate that our weather people keep us alert to the allergen level as well as the pollution levels.  If you suffer from these types of allergies, keep the windows closed, limit your outdoor exposure and make sure you keep your furnace filters clean or use a HEPA filter attachment on your central air conditioner.

Mold allergies are very common this time of year.  Mold and mildew are fungi that produce spores that are spread by the wind outdoors or air indoors. Many molds grow on rotting logs and fallen leaves, in compost piles and on grasses and grains.  Unlike pollens, molds do not die with the first killing frost.  They become dormant during the winter and are ready to go again in the spring.

The symptoms of both of these allergies are similar including sneezing, itching, nasal discharge, congestion and dry, scaling skin.  Some people’s allergies may develop into asthma.  Treatment of both would be to avoid contact with the allergens, take medications for nasal or other allergic symptoms and if you cannot avoid the allergens, wear a mask and wash your skin well after exposure.  As mentioned previously a special air filter on your furnace is extremely helpful.

It is a beautiful time of the year and we all want to be outside as much as possible after this long winter.  If you suffer from allergies, just remember to limit your exposure, wear a mask and use medications for relief as needed.  Enjoy the spring.

Cute Tidbit: There was a very gracious lady who was mailing an old family Bible to her brother in another part of the country.  “Is there anything breakable in here?” asked the postal clerk.  “Only the Ten Commandments” answered the lady.

Blessings,

Nancy