
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: MONDAY, March 26, 1990                   TAG: 9003242382
SECTION: EXTRA                    PAGE: E3   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: The New York Times
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

SIMPLE MEASURES CAN REDUCE ALLERGY SYMPTOMS

The ideal approach to allergies is to avoid the allergens, or substances to which you are allergic.

This can be quite a challenge for people with seasonal allergies to substances that blow around in the air. However, a few simple measures can help reduce symptoms and limit your dependence on medications.

Maintain a regular exercise program. Physical activity can reduce respiratory congestion.

Try to limit outdoor activities early in the day, when pollen and mold counts are highest. If you exercise outside, do it in the late afternoon or early evening.

On dry, windy days keep your time outdoors to a minimum.

Avoid irritants, like the chlorine in pools and chemical sprays, that can increase your sensitivity to inhaled allergens. When you swim in a chlorinated pool, wear leak-proof goggles, nose clips and ear plugs.

Use an air-conditioner indoors rather than opening the window.

Rinsing the nasal passages with ordinary salt water can be very soothing. You can buy commercial saline or make your own by mixing 1/4 teaspoon salt in one cup of warm water. Then squirt the solution into the nose with a syringe.

If, despite such measures, seasonal allergies seriously interfere with your life, look into the possibility of immunotherapy, or allergy shots.

These require a long-term commitment and the treatment, which involves weekly visits to a physician, is costly. But when it works it can be highly effective.

by CNB