How Do You Deal with All This Pollen?

The pollen count level in South Cobb is currently at 10.8 on a 12-point scale and that level is expected to increase throughout the week.  High pollen levels mean yellow-green dust-covered cars will pack car washes and people with allergies will sniffle and find it difficult to enjoy the warm, sunny weather.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution says the pollen count for Monday broke -- no, make that shattered -- the old record by 35 percent.

Wellstar Health System, which hasand several branches in the South Cobb area, has issued some tips and information for getting through this high pollen season as easily as possible.

How do you deal with the high pollen levels this time of year? Vote in the poll and tell us in the comments below.

Dr. Grace Chiang of WellStar Medical Group, Allergy and Asthma, answers common questions about allergies, which so often rear their ugly heads during this time of year.

What causes common allergies?

A pollen allergy is one of the most common types of allergies.

The underlying cause of allergies is likely due to a complex interaction between genetics and environmental factors.  Many studies are underway to further elucidate the causes of allergies and why the incidence is rising in the U.S. and many other industrialized countries.  In general, allergies occur when your immune system overreacts to a substance that is usually not pathogenic or harmful.  Risk factors for developing allergies include a positive family history or personal history of allergic conditions including asthma or eczema.

People tend to think of allergies as causing itchy eyes, runny noses, but can they cause more serious health risks?

Allergies can result in more serious health consequences in individuals with asthma.  At least 80 percent of people with asthma have allergies that trigger their asthma, which can lead to coughing, wheezing, chest tightness and shortness of breath.  This may lead to asthma attacks that can result in ER visits or hospitalizations.  It is thus important for asthmatics to see an allergist and identify potential allergic triggers.  Treating a patient’s allergies is an important part of optimizing asthma care.

If you do have allergies, how can you manage them?

A three-pronged approach is most effective in managing allergies:

1. Environmental control measures: strategies to minimize exposure to known allergic triggers, such as keeping a pet out of the bedroom, use of air filters, and dust mite proof encasings
2. Medications: help to control symptoms but often need to be taken regularly in order to be effective
3. Immunotherapy (“allergy shots”): the only treatment available that alters your body’s immune response to allergens and provides long lasting relief, reducing symptoms and the need for medications

How are allergies diagnosed?

Skin testing may be safely performed in children and adults to accurately diagnose allergies, under the supervision of a board certified allergist.  Contrary to common belief, there is no age requirement for skin testing.  For example, many infants are able to be skin tested for allergy to milk and/or soy, if there is a concern for allergy to their formula.  We are able to test for environmental and food allergies as well as stinging insects (bees, wasps, hornets, yellow jacket, fire ant) and penicillin.  If skin testing is positive, we expect to see a small, red, itchy bump develop within 15 minutes.  I thus have the opportunity to interpret the skin test findings with the patient at the same visit and develop an individualized treatment plan.

About Dr. Chiang

Grace Chiang, M.D., has extensive experience in the diagnosis and treatment of asthma and allergic conditions in both children and adults and is in practice with WellStar Medical Group, Allergy and Asthma. She graduated Phi Beta Kappa and received her doctorate of medicine from the University of Wisconsin. She then completed her residency in pediatrics at St. Louis Children's Hospital, followed by an allergy/immunology fellowship at Washington University in St. Louis. Prior to joining WellStar Medical Group, she has cared for patients in the Atlanta area in private practice. Dr. Chiang is board certified in allergy/immunology and pediatrics.

For more information, please contact WellStar Allergy and Asthma at (770) 333-2027.