NEW YORK, June 12 (UPI) -- For the 20 million to 30 million U.S. adults and children who suffer from allergies, spring allergies can trigger or worsen asthma and other illnesses.
The majority of spring respiratory problems come from inhaling such allergens as tree or grass pollen and mold spores, according to Dr. Rachel Miller, assistant professor of clinical medicine and public health, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center in New York City.
Exposure to dust, pet dander, and other indoor pollutants can worsen the severity of spring and summer allergies, essentially adding fuel to the fire, according to Miller.
To help allergy sufferers weather through the season Miller advises:
-- Staying in air-conditioned areas with windows closed, may reduce symptoms, but they will flare up when outside and remain for the rest of the day.
-- Window air-conditioning units do not filter out pollen and mold spores. Heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems can harbor moisture, mold and dust.
-- With mild symptoms, over-the-counter antihistamines may help for a few hours, but they can cause drowsiness. Some older men may develop urination problems when taking antihistamines.
