Dear Doctor Column, April 7, 2008

Coping with Spring Allergies

Question:

Can hayfever cause a cough? I’ve had one for a couple of weeks. My sister thinks it’s caused by my allergies, which always bother me in the spring. And what’s the best way to control my allergies?

Coughing is a common symptom of seasonal allergic rhinitis, or hayfever. About 35 million Americans are affected by springtime allergies, which, in addition to coughing, can cause eyes to itch and water, sneezing, congestion, a runny nose, drowsiness, and headache, the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (AAAAI) reports. Seasonal allergy symptoms are triggered by outdoor allergens, ordinary substances such as pollen and mold. Coughing is your body’s way of removing these allergens from the airways. If your cough is caused by seasonal allergens, it should be accompanied by other allergic symptoms and subside along with these problems. If you are coughing at night, have other respiratory problems such as asthma, or have a cough that lasts longer than 4 to 6 weeks, regardless of other symptoms, you should see your doctor.

Minimizing your exposure to allergens is one way to help control symptoms. Pollen is an especially common cause of allergies during the spring, when plants release these tiny particles that cause problems for so many people. Trees, weeds, and grasses often produce large quantities of light dry pollens that are easily transported by wind, which blows the irritating substances long distances, coating cars and indoor surfaces. In contrast, flowering plants tend to have heavy waxy pollens that stay put until bees and other insects carry them from flower to flower. Early in spring, trees such as oaks, elms, poplars, sycamores, and maples are the biggest sources of pollen. As the season progresses, pollinating grasses often trigger symptoms. By late summer or early fall, weeds, especially ragweed, are producing large quantities of pollen.

Mold spores are present throughout the year in many areas of the country. Like pollen, mold spores are windborne, and can accumulate in a number of locations — outdoors in soil and vegetation, and inside in attics, basements, bathrooms, carpets, and upholstery. On hot, dry, windy days pollen and mold spores are on the move, and many people’s allergy symptoms worsen during these weather conditions. Rainy windless days mean less allergen distribution and fewer symptoms for people with seasonal allergies. The AAAAI’s National Allergy Bureau compiles pollen and mold counts from certified stations across the nation and reports concentrations as low, moderate, or high. You can check for counts in your area at www.aaaai.org/nab. When counts are high, staying indoors with the windows closed and the air conditioner or central fan on can help limit your contact with allergens.

AAAAI also offers these tips:

• Do a thorough spring cleaning that includes curtains, rugs, windows, book shelves, and air conditioning vents — this helps remove accumulated dust and mold.
• Keep windows closed at night to prevent pollens and mold from drifting into your house.
• When possible, use air conditioning, which cleans, cools, and dries air in your home and car.
• Avoid outdoor activities between 5 AM and 10 AM — this is the prime time for pollen emission.
• When traveling, keep the car windows up and the air conditioning on.
• Minimize outdoor activity when the weather is hot, dry, and windy.
• Avoid hanging laundry out to dry — pollen and mold collects on them.
• Remove pollen and mold from your hair and skin with a daily shower before bed.
• Use a filter mask when you mow your lawn or rake leaves.
• If symptoms are severely affecting your daily life, you may want to consult an allergist or immunologist. These specialists can pinpoint the allergens causing your symptoms and develop a management plan that may include environmental adjustments in your work or living space and prescription medications, which are more effective and better tolerated than over-the-counter remedies. To find a specialist in your area and learn more about seasonal allergies, visit AAAAI’s site at www.aaaai.org