Last week, Jamaica Hospital Medical Center Allergist and Immunologist Dr. Lisa Roth participated in a NY1 News interview in which she shared helpful tips with viewers about this year’s allergy season.
Dr. Roth along with other experts in her field agree that the unseasonably chilly temperatures we have experienced, and a seemingly delayed spring are indicative of what could be a severe allergy season that yields high pollen counts.
In anticipation of the pollen surge, health departments nationwide, including the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (NYC DOHMH) are encouraging healthcare providers to prepare allergy sufferers now for the upcoming season.
Data included in an advisory distributed by NYC DOHMH indicate, “In New York City, over-the-counter allergy medication sales typically increase in late April to early May, coinciding with peak concentrations of certain tree pollens.” The advisory also shared that asthma-related emergency department visits tend to increase during this time of year, especially among children.
Dr. Roth has been preparing patients for allergy season in several ways, one of which is by helping them to identify their triggers through testing. “It is important to conduct allergy tests to determine the cause of their symptoms. Often people purchase over the counter drugs to treat symptoms but they may not be treating the correct cause for their discomfort,” she explained. Once the cause is identified, Dr. Roth recommends treatment options that may include medication to control symptoms or immunotherapy.
Other ways Dr. Roth has been preparing patients for this year’s dreaded allergy season is working with parents of children with asthma, as elements in the environment during this time of year can exacerbate their symptoms. “ I remind parents that it is very important that their child’s asthma is managed well before pollen season begins. I help them to develop or update written asthma management plans,” explains Dr. Roth. Educating parents about symptom trigger avoidance is also a key factor in managing asthma during allergy season.
As for seasonal allergy sufferers, Dr. Roth recommends the following tips to prepare for the season and manage symptoms: monitor pollen and mold counts, keep doors and windows shut in your home and car, begin taking medications prescribed by your allergist now to avoid inflammation, clean the air in your home with a HEPA filter, wash your face and hair as soon as you get home and wash linens and clothing frequently.
Watch the interview here: