What to know about allergy season

The Homewood Star talked with Dr. Meghan Lemke, who is board-certified in allergy and clinical immunology and works for Alabama Allergy & Asthma Center, about what you should know for allergy season this year.

What are some specific things that contribute to allergies in Alabama?

The most common allergy culprits we test for include dust mites, various molds, cat and dog dander, cockroaches, and pollen. We test pollens specifically from trees, grass and weed pollen. These are a few of the leading contributors here in Alabama that are due to our long growing season and lush terrain.

Can allergy symptoms including common itchy eyes and sneezing be more than just the typical symptoms?

Yes, sneezing and itchy eyes are only the “tip of the iceberg.” For children particularly, allergies are associated with sleep disturbance,  impaired school performance and overall decrease in quality of life. Other issues include sinus infections, migraine headaches and asthma flare-ups, just to name a few.

Recent studies show that allergies and asthma have both escalated. Why do you think this is?

We believe that the rise of allergic disease including allergic rhinitis and asthma is due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Due to the rapid rise over a few decades, we believe that environmental factors are the most likely explanation. These include lifestyle factors such as changes in our diet and reduction in physical activity, as well as improved hygiene and fewer parasitic infections.

Do you believe that exposure to germs will help fight off other infections against allergies?

This theory, often referred to as the “hygiene hypothesis,” is based on studies showing that children raised in rural areas, with exposure to farm animals and in larger families have less asthma. While the correlations are fascinating, they do not tell the whole story. On the contrary, some infections have been linked to the development of allergic diseases, such as RSV and asthma. There is still research that needs to be done, but in the meantime, we still recommend common-sense measures to  protect kids from germs and sickness.

What is producing the most allergy-provoking pollen this spring?

The first pollen to appear in this area is tree pollen. Starting in January, we began measuring cedar, juniper and elm pollen.

What do you suggest patients do as a treatment method for allergies? Do pharmaceutical treatments leave a negative effect?

For patients with allergies, we recommend a combination of treatments.  Environmental control measures to reduce exposure to the allergens, medications to address specific symptoms when needed, and if appropriate, immunotherapy. Immunotherapy, which is commonly known as “allergy shots,” is a treatment tailored to each individual patient. We administer gradually increasing doses of the patient’s specific allergens. Over time, this process teachers the immune system to ignore harmless particles such as pollen and animal dander, instead of “overreacting to them.”

By addressing the root of the problem, the abnormal immune response, this treatment allows many patients to significantly reduce the number of medications needed to control their symptoms.

Thankfully, the medications we use to treat allergies such as nasal sprays, antihistamines and other are generally both  safe and effective.

Alabama Allergy & Asthma Center is located at 504 Brookwood Blvd. For more visit alabamaallergy.com or call 871-9661.