Springtime in Hollywood, FL: Managing, Treatment, & Testing for Allergies

Allergy Capital Report | Climate Change & Allergy Season | Tips | Treatment | Diagnosis

Spring is a beautiful season, but it can also bring about a host of allergens around. Don't let allergy season rain on your sunshine! This blog will explore common allergy concerns during spring in Hollywood and offer tips to manage them.

Allergy Capitals Report

Each year, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America releases its annual Allergy Capitals Report, evaluating the top 100 most populous cities in the United States according to:

• tree, grass, and weed pollen scores

• over-the-counter allergy medicine use

• availability of board-certified allergists/immunologists

Florida proved particularly rough on allergy sufferers, with seven cities cracking the top 100 of the Most Challenging Places to Live with Pollen Allergies. Sarasota and Orlando led the pack within the top 20 considered worse than average, followed by Lakeland, Cape Coral, Palm Bay, Tampa, and Miami. Jacksonville also faced its share of troubles, coming in at number 71 on the list.

Climate Change & Allergy Season

In the United States, approximately 81 million individuals suffer from seasonal allergic rhinitis, predominantly triggered by pollen allergies. Kenneth Mendez, CEO and president of AAFA shared his insights on the 2023 Press Release of the Allergy Capitals Report.

We are experiencing longer and more intense allergy seasons because of climate change. If we don't take immediate action on the climate crisis, pollen production will only intensify. This means more asthma attacks and additional strain on our health systems.

Not only are pollen seasons getting longer, extending the misery by an average of 20 days since 1990, but plants are spitting out a whopping 21% more pollen thanks to rising temperatures. And it doesn't stop there. Allergies often ignite asthma flares, impacting 60-80% of the 26 million Americans with asthma.

The bottom line? Climate change isn't just melting glaciers, it's making your allergies worse.

Tips for Spring Allergy Management in Hollywood, Florida

The warm climate of Florida contributes to higher levels of pollen in the air, making for a longer and more powerful allergy season compared to the rest of the country. Here are some tips to manage spring allergies in Hollywood, Florida:

1. Minimize Physical Contact with Allergens

• Remove your shoes before entering your home.

• Reduce close interaction with outdoor pets; consider wiping them down upon entry or bathing them weekly.

• Opt for indoor drying methods for laundry, such as a clothes dryer or indoor rack, to avoid pollen exposure.

• Wear sunglasses outdoors to shield your eyes from pollen.

• Use a hat to cover your hair when outside to prevent pollen buildup.

• Keep windows tightly shut at home and in your car to prevent pollen intrusion.

2. Stay Informed and Plan Outdoor Activities Wisely

• Check daily pollen counts or forecasts and schedule outdoor activities on days with lower pollen levels.

3. Utilize Air Cleaners and Conditioners with Certified Filters

• Consider using air cleaners or air conditioning units equipped with certified asthma and allergy-friendly filters, including HEPA filtration.

4. Practice Post-Outdoor Hygiene

• Shower after outdoor activities to eliminate pollen accumulation on your body.

5. Maintain Indoor Cleanliness

• Regularly vacuum and clean carpets, rugs, and fabric furniture at least once a week.

• Opt for a certified asthma and allergy-friendly vacuum to effectively trap pollen, dust mites, and pet dander, preventing their dispersal into the air during vacuuming.

Management & Treatment for Allergies

1. Medications

• Antihistamines: Over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription antihistamines can relieve symptoms like sneezing, itching, and runny nose by blocking histamine, a chemical released during allergic reactions.

• Decongestants: OTC decongestants can alleviate nasal congestion by shrinking swollen nasal passages. They are available in oral or nasal spray forms.

• Nasal Corticosteroids: Prescription nasal corticosteroid sprays reduce inflammation and relieve nasal congestion, sneezing, and runny nose.

• Allergy Eye Drops: OTC or prescription eye drops can alleviate itchy, red, and watery eyes caused by allergies.

2. Immunotherapy

For individuals with severe or persistent allergies, immunotherapy helps by gradually exposing the individual to increasing doses of allergens to desensitize their immune system over time.

• Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT): Small doses of allergen extracts are placed under the tongue, usually in the form of liquid drops or dissolvable tablets.

• Subcutaneous Immunotherapy (SCIT): Commonly known as allergy shots, SCIT is a medical treatment designed to reduce the symptoms and sensitivity associated with various allergic conditions.

Testing

Allergy testing may be performed to identify specific allergens triggering your symptoms. Common allergy tests include:

• Blood Test (RAST or ImmunoCAP): Measures the presence of specific antibodies (IgE) to identify allergens.

• Patch Test: Used to diagnose contact dermatitis caused by allergens.

• Skin Prick Test: Small amounts of allergens are pricked into the skin, and the reaction is observed.

At ENT Family we offer a brand new, state-of-the-art, and minimally invasive skin prick testing called AllergiEnd. Test applicators are placed on the forearms of a patient during a routine physical examination. This allows our team to confirm patients' clinical sensitivity to a range of food and environmental allergens, such as pollens, weeds, grasses, trees, animal dander, molds, and many other foods.

Seek diagnosis & treatment options for your allergy issues with Dr. David Eleff, ENT Specialist at ENT Family. Schedule your consultation today!

Address: 3911 Hollywood Blvd#201, Hollywood, FL 33021, United States

Phone: 754-888-1368

Email: info@entfamily.com

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