Tulsa World: September, minus the sinus

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September, minus the sinus
Drugs, shots and the old nasal flush are ways to fight back against fall.

As the seasons change, plants release pollens that cause runny noses, swollen sinuses, sneezing and itchy eyes for those with allergies, says Carey Waters, a physician at Omni Medical Group in Owasso. MICHAEL WYKE / Tulsa World file

By CARY ASPINWALL World Scene Writer
Published: 9/24/2009 2:20 AM
Last Modified: 9/24/2009 8:29 AM

Autumn in Oklahoma brings cooler temperatures, changing leaves — and misery for allergy sufferers.

As the seasons change, plants release pollens that cause runny noses, swollen sinuses, sneezing and itchy eyes for those with allergies, said Carey Waters, a physician at Omni Medical Group in Owasso.

"Oklahoma is one of the most allergenic states in the country. It's a little early this year, it seems."

Cooler-than-usual September temperatures plus frequent rain means that ragweed, perennial grasses and mold are wreaking havoc, carried across our state by jet stream winds from all directions, he said.

But allergy sufferers can fight back with the right tools:

Sinus flushing

Neti pots or saline nasal flushing kits sold at most drug stores are a great way to relieve allergy symptoms, Waters said. "They really can make people feel a whole lot better."

Using a saline flush after being outdoors can help flush the pollens and spores away and minimize irritation.

Preventative medicines

Taking an oral antihistamine before heading out the door will help tame allergy symptoms.

Claritin (or generic forms of the drug loratadine) works for most allergy sufferers without causing drowsiness, Waters said. Antihistamines such as Benadryl or Zyrtec can prevent allergy symptoms but tend to sedate users more than Claritin.

They're most effective when you take them before being exposed to allergens.

"It's a lot easier to keep allergy symptoms from developing," he said. "Once the cat's out of the bag, it's really harder to control."

Reducing congestion / inflammation

Waters likes prescription nasal steroids such as Flonase for calming nasal inflammation. And using a decongestant such as Sudafed (pseudoephedrine) can help keep your sinuses clear and prevent infection — though you will have to wait in line at the pharmacy counter or get a prescription from your doctor.

When all else fails

Allergy shots are best for people with severe symptoms to specific things they've extremely allergic to — so they're not necessarily the best option for people with seasonal symptoms. So if none of the above strategies will tame your allergies, Waters said, it's time to call your doctor.

"People shouldn't get frustrated when one medicine doesn't work because another might. We have a lot more options than we used to have to treat allergies."

Cary Aspinwall 581-8477
cary.aspinwall@tulsaworld.com By CARY ASPINWALL World Scene Writer

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