Tuesday, May 28, 2013

Coping with Allergies...Seasonal and Otherwise

Achoo!!!!  After a bumpy start to Spring, the trees and flowers are in bloom and lawn mowing has been added to the weekly chore list.  This is not news if you are an allergy sufferer. 

It is estimated that 50 million Americans suffer from some type of allergy.  This includes indoor/outdoor, insect and pet dander allergies.  Symptoms can include everything from a runny nose and sneezing to life threatening anaphylaxis.

Those in the p-h-c profession are not immune to allergies, in fact they are more susceptible.  Allergens are everywhere, but especially in attics, basements, crawl spaces and anywhere that is damp or wet.  Basically, everywhere a p-h-c professional works. 

If you are allergic to pet dander or insect stings, entering a customer's home or working on outside units can be tricky.  When the weather begins to warm up, bees, wasps and hornets begin to emerge from their winter slumber.  When the weather starts to cool off, they begin nesting for the winter.  At these two times, these insects can be especially hostile to visitors.  Their nesting spots can be right where you are working.

In the height of summer and dead of winter, indoor allergies are at their highest.  Pet dander, dust and mold levels are surprisingly high when windows and doors remained tightly closed for periods of time.  It is said that the levels of allergens in a home can be higher inside than outside during the summer.  If your customer has not changed the filters on their units or had the ducts cleaned, the levels could be even worse.

For adults, allergies is the 5th leading chronic disease resulting in more than 4 million lost work days annually, with a total cost of $700 million in lost productivity.  Allergies are not just a nuisance, but can pose a danger on the job.  Watery eyes and stuffy sinuses can cause blurred vision or dizziness.  These symptoms are not compatible with driving or operating machinery or power tools.  Insect stings can cause life-threatening anaphylaxis even in those who have not experience a reaction in the past.

If you find that a box of tissues is your newest accessory or that itchy, watery eyes make it difficult to find a shut-off valve, it is time to find relief.  Seasonal allergies can be easily treated with over the counter medications.  Many provide 24 hour relief, but should be taken at bedtime to eliminate any risk for drowsiness.  If you want to try a more natural approach, some people swear by local honey.  Just a tablespoon in hot tea or straight up seems to help.

Any allergic reaction that causes anaphylaxis needs to be treated with a prescription Epi-pen.  This includes insect and bee stings, latex and food allergies.  You can prevent potential insect or bee stings by being aware of your surrounding when outdoors or in crawl spaces and attics.  Bees love fragrance, so using fragrance free skincare products will help prevent bee stings.  Keeping a dryer sheet in your pocket is a trick the US Postal Service recommends to their employees. 

If you feel that the pretty flowers, customer's cat or buzzing bee are causing you to suffer, it is best to talk to your physician.  Effectively treated allergies will help you feel better and be more productive both on and off the job.