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Fighting Allergens

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: May 2, 2008

Taking control of allergies is possible, even in a place like Tampa, which Forbes Magazine recently named the nation's 24th worst city for people suffering from allergies. It just takes an understanding of the illness and a defined attack strategy, experts say.

Common Allergens:

Pollen from trees, weeds and grass

Mold

Animal dander

Avoiding Pollen:

Bathe before bedtime to remove allergens on hair and skin

Avoid the outdoors on dry, windy days

Keep car and home windows closed

Keep child inside when mowing the lawn

Medicinal Help:

Antihistamines to reduce sneezing, runny nose and itching; can cause dry mouth and drowsiness

Decongestants to temporarily relieve stuffy nose; allow two to four weeks to kick in

Cromolyn sodium, a nasal spray to prevent reactions to allergens; takes at least two weeks to show benefits

Nasal steroid sprays to relieve swelling in nose; use two weeks or more to see benefit

Eye drops for itchy, watery eyes

Allergy shots, or immunotherapy, to build up tolerance to allergens

Source: The American Academy of Family Physicians

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