Seasonal allergies
Spring and summer in St. Louis mean lots of outdoor activities—picnics, ball games, trips to the zoo, or sitting outside with neighbors and friends.
Breathing space : how allergies shape our lives and landscapes
Gregg Mitman.
New Haven : Yale University Press, c2007.
"Breathing Space offers an intimate portrait of how allergic disease has shaped American culture, landscape, and life. Drawing on environmental, medical, and cultural history and the life stories of people, plants, and insects, Mitman traces how America's changing environment from the late 1800s to the present day has led to the epidemic growth of allergic disease."--BOOK JACKET.
Food allergies for dummies
by Robert A. Wood with Joe Kraynak.
Hoboken, N.J. : John Wiley & Sons, c2007.
Includes over 25 allergen-free recipes! Covers peanut allergy and the new labeling guidelines Anxious about food allergies in your family? This no-nonsense, plain-English guide gives you expert guidance in identifying and avoiding the foods that trigger your reactions. You'll learn how to spot hidden ingredients on food labels and menu items, treat reactions effectively, and manage your diet without feeling deprived. Discover how to: Eliminate problem foods Find a qualified food allergist Handle mild and severe reactions Manage allergies at home, school, and work Treat your child's allergies Build your own allergy emergency kit
The ultimate food allergy cookbook and survival guide : how to cook with ease for a food allergy diet and recover good health
Nicolette M. Dumke.
Louisville, Colo. : Adapt Books, [2007], c2006.
The Ultimate Food Allergy Cookbook and Survival Guide: How to Cook with Ease for Food Allergies and Recover Good Health gives you everything you need to survive and recover from food allergies. It contains medical information about the diagnosis of food allergies, health problems that can be caused by food allergies, and your options for treatment. The book includes a rotation diet that is free from common food allergens such as wheat, milk, eggs, corn, soy, yeast, beef, legumes, citrus fruits, potatoes, tomatoes, and more. Instructions are given on how to personalize the standard rotation diet to meet your individual needs and fit your food pr eferences. Contains 500 recipes that can be used with (or without) the diet. Extensive reference sections include a listing of commercially prepared foods for allergy diets and sources for special foods, services, and products.
Hidden food allergies : the essential guide to uncovering hidden food allergies and achieving permanent relief
James Braly & Patrick Holford.
Laguna Beach, CA : Basic Health Publications, Inc., c2006.
In this valuable new book, James Braly, a leading medical authority on nutrition, and Patrick Holford, Britain's top nutrition expert, identify the most common allergens, help readers diagnose an allergy, and provide a full action plan for allergy relief.
The peanut allergy answer book
Michael C. Young.
Gloucester, Massachusetts : Fair Winds Press, 2006.
A revised and updated version of the definitive peanut allergy book.
For some St. Louisans, though, their seasonal allergies make it hard to enjoy these activities.
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Affects 35 million Americans
Almost 35 million Americans are affected by seasonal allergies, making allergies one of the top causes of chronic disease in the U.S. Annually Americans spend $18 billion attempting to manage their symptoms. |
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(From American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology) |
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Why do allergies seem the worst in spring and summer? Because this is the time of year St. Louis’ grasses, weeds, and trees release thousands of tiny particles called pollen into the air. Usually thinner than a piece hair, these pollen particles get into our noses and throats triggering sneezing, runny noses and itchy eyes.
High pollen counts can affect numerous types of seasonal allergies including eye allergies (conjunctivitis), skin reactions (dermatitis), and the most common seasonal allergy allergic rhinitis (hay fever). Other allergies, referred to perennial allergies, may occur year round. Most of these perennial allergies are triggered by indoor allergens such as dust mites, molds, and pets danders.
St. Louisans with allergies might think it a good idea to move to another location. However research shows people who move to get away from pollens discover that they likely will develop allergies to whatever plant pollens or molds are found in the new location.
A better suggestion is to take a look at treatments available to minimize the symptoms of these allergies. A doctor can run skin tests to identify the type allergen triggering the symptoms. Medications including antihistamines, decongestants, and nasal sprays may be recommended.
One can also take steps to avoid the allergen by staying indoors with the air conditioner on, keeping bedding and floors clean, wearing sun glasses to minimize pollen getting in the eyes, or doing outside activities later in the day when pollen levels are lower.
Understanding allergies and knowing about treatments to ease their symptoms will make life for or many St. Louisans more enjoyable.
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Grasses, weeds, and trees release pollens |
Article by: St. Louis Public Library staff.
