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Local doctors offer allergy tips

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By Tiffany Y. Latta, Staff Writer Updated 10:55 PM Sunday, June 28, 2009

The spring rain is gone, the car tops are down and summer is finally here.

So, too, are summer allergies.

“I’ve seen an increase in pollen counts this year and Butler County has always been pretty bad because of the humidity,” said Dr. Andrew Schulz of Alliance Primary Care Trenton. “Ohio in general and particularly southwest Ohio (is difficult for allergy sufferers). It’s a perfect mix of moderate climate, and the type of grass and trees we have here.”

Seasonal allergies began in mid-April and can become increasingly worse through the summer.

The reason? Hot, dry and windy days mean greater amounts of pollen and molds are dispersed, causing sneezing, stuffy nose and itchiness of the eyes and throat for allergy sufferers, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.

Local pharmacies have been seeing the impact for months.

“We are sinus valley here,” said Kevin Berry, a pharmacist at The Medicine Shoppe in Middletown. “Claritin and Zyrtec are the most popular (over the counter medicines) right now.”

Schulz said over the counter medicines for allergies are better than ever and recommends sufferers to try them before paying for an expensive prescription.

There are several allergy relief measures, Schulz said.

• Keep windows closed and use an air conditioner to prevent pollen from entering your home.

• Shower, bathe pets and change clothes after returning home

• Use a dehumidifier

Allergy Treatment:

• If there is inflammation in the nose, the treatment of choice is nasal corticosteroid sprays.

• If there is a lot of runny nose, ipratropium nasal spray can provide relief.

• If nasal congestion is a major problem, decongestant pills or sprays can be used, but the sprays should not be used for long periods of time,

• An antihistamine nasal spray has been found helpful in relieving the symptoms.

Source - American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.

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