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                         May 10, 2002

It's allergy season

Submitted by Lt. Col. Michael Bayles
Community Health Nurse

According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, more than 50 million Americans suffer from allergic diseases annually.

Often confused with a cold, allergies are immune system reactions to normally harmless substances, such as food, ragweed or pollen.

Preventing allergies is as easy or difficult as avoiding exposure to harmful substances. Medications are available to alleviate uncomfortable allergy-related symptoms, which may include sneezing, watery eyes, repeated ear and sinus infections, frequent coughing or dark circles under the eyes caused by increased blood flow near the sinus.

Food and pollen allergies are among the most common. Symptoms of food allergies may include skin problems (itching, rashes or hives), intestinal problems (abdominal pain, diarrhea or vomiting) or more serious respiratory problems, such as shortness of breath, fainting or anaphylactic shock.The most common food allergies are egg, milk, shellfish, peanuts, soy and wheat.

Allergies to ragweed and tree pollen are seasonal. Ragweed, curly dock, plantain and sagebrush are among the most prolific producers of pollen allergens. Pollen counts are highest between 5 and 10 a.m. and on dry, hot and windy days.

If you are not sure whether you have allergies or about what you should do, call the 24-hour TRICARE Health Information Line (1-800-308-3518). The line is staffed by Registered Nurses who can provide information.