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| |  A Breath of Fresh Air for Allergy Sufferers -Tips for Spring and Summer DALLAS, May 29, 1996 -- The timing may vary from region to region, but one constant remains during the spring and summer: at some point microscopic granules of pollen will descend upon allergy sufferers. The end result is a breath of fresh air that is followed by sneezing, coughing, itchy and watery eyes and upper respiratory congestion. The American Lung Association and the makers of Tavist are helping allergy sufferers learn how to manage their allergies and enjoy the outdoors throughout warm weather. Following is a list of measures allergy sufferers can take to make outdoor life "sneezeless." -- Look Before You Leap -- Monitor air quality through radio, television and newspaper pollen count reports. Allergy symptoms often develop when pollen counts are moderate to high, but can continue even when the count lowers. Rainy, cloudy or windless days usually have lower pollen counts, but mold spores may be higher right after a rain. Taking note of which allergens are at the highest levels may help in determining those that are most bothersome. -- The Early Bird Catches The Pollen -- Pollen levels are highest before 10 a.m., so try not to be outdoors then. While indoors, close windows and use air conditioning to filter and dry the air. Have someone else mow the lawn or rake leaves. These activities stir up pollens and molds. -- Don't Be Hung Out to Dry By Allergens -- Do not hang sheets or clothing out to dry. Pollen and molds collect on these materials and can trigger allergies later. -- Handle with Care -- Avoid touching eyes and nose and transferring pollen there. -- When Ordering a Drink... -- Remember that alcohol stimulates mucus production and dilates the blood vessels, worsening runny nose and nasal congestion. Smoking irritates the eyes and respiratory system, making allergy symptoms worse. -- Avoid Pollen Triggers -- Various types of allergy-causing plants can be found around the country, but there are ways to identify plants to select or avoid. Generally, showier plants pollinated by insects are better choices because these flowers' pollen grains are larger and less bothersome. Less attractive plants rely on the wind for pollination, and have smaller pollen grains that can cause allergies through inhalation. In most areas of the country, the allergens that cause most problems are: Trees -- Including oak, olive, western red cedar, elm, birch, ash, hickory, poplar, sycamore, maple and walnut Pollinating grasses -- Such as timothy, bermuda and orchard Weeds -- Ragweed, sagebrush and pigweed become a problem in late spring and early summer -- That's the Last Straw -- Some gardeners with allergies use black plastic mulch instead of straw to keep down pollinating weeds, dust and mold growth. This also has the added benefit of warming the soil and helping crops such as tomatoes and melons mature faster. -- Consider Simple Treatment -- Take an antihistamine 30 minutes before going outdoors. Control Allergens With the Tavist Year-Round Calendar For allergy sufferers who refuse to let their symptoms get the best of them, the American Lung Association and the makers of Tavist developed the Tavist Year-Round Allergy Management calendar, complete with more than 50 tips to help allergy sufferers enjoy everything from gardening to traveling, sports and enjoying their own home. The calendar is free by calling (800) TAVIST-D (828-4783).
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