Web Chat on Allergies with Dr. Andrew Spooner, Pediatrician

(The following is an edited transcript of questions and answers from a web chat held on Wednesday, March 5, 2003 on WREG, News Channel 3)

Moderator: Welcome to this week's chat.

Dr. Andy Spooner: Howdy! 'Tis the season to be sneezin'

Q: Does Recurring Sinusitis have anything to do with allergies?

Dr. Spooner: Yes, allergic rhinitis predisposes one to sinusitis. Control the allergies and reduce the risk of sinus infections.

Q: Thank you. The only allergy is dust mites.

Dr. Spooner: Dust mites are an important environmental allergen... there are ways to reduce dust mites in the house.

Q: I suffered from allergies since my family moved from Chicago when I was a child. I took injections every week for years.

Dr. Spooner: Moving to Memphis seems to be a big risk factor for allergies!

Q: The shots never seemed to help much.

Dr. Spooner: Allergy shots are useful, but only for a few narrow situations.

Q: Are there new medications or treatments?

Dr. Spooner: Over-the-counter Loratidine is new this year. Makes it easier to treat oneself without going to the doctor first. But the most effective thing is to prevent the allergies in the first place, if possible.

Q: How do you prevent problems when you're allergic to everything in the air? Molds, etc.

Dr. Spooner: If it's pollen that's bothering you, it's impossible to avoid, but don't assume it's pollen... could be molds, pet dander, dust mites...it takes some detective work. You can't avoid pollens, but most people have a certain "pollen season" that lasts just a short time. The strategy for people senditive to pollen is to medicate during the susceptible season.

Nonsedating antihistamines are where we usually start. but nasal steroids (prescription) are the usual next step. Basically the goal of therapy is to eliminate the symptoms...it is not an unreasonable expectation. Skin testing can help narrow down what you are susceptible to, if plain ol' detective work does not yield an answer.

Q: Can you recommend any non prescription treatment for conjunctivitis?

Dr. Spooner: There are eye drops that have antihistamine/decongestants in them...but first make sure it is not an eye infection. Visine brand makes several... look at the ingredients for antihistamine/decongestant such as "Visine-A."

Q: Does Sudafed work for allergies?

Dr. Spooner: Sudafed is a decongestant... it can help with symptoms BUT...To eliminate the root problems, you need an antihistamine. Sudafed will shrink the lining of your nose, but the allergic reaction keeps on coming. To stop the allergic reaction, you must block the histamine receptors... that is what an antihistamine does.

Q: What about Afrin? I don't know if I have allergies or sinusitis or a cold but it stays around a long time.

Dr. Spooner: Afrin is a topical decongestant. That means it works right on your nose membranes instead of through your blood. Afrin (oxymetazoline) is STILL not an antihistamine. Afrin can also be dangerous if overused.

Q: The stuff with antihistamine makes me sleepy.

Dr. Spooner:... sounds like you need a non-sedating antihistamine.

Q: What is that?

Dr. Spooner: Loratidine (sold as Claritin) is the one that's over the counter. Once a day pill. But there are others, all on prescription.

Q: Is it a big pill? I can't take big pills very well.

Dr. Andy Spooner: Claritin comes as a very tiny instantly-dissolving pill. You just put it on your tongue and ZAP it's gone. No swallowing required. There are also liquid forms of these drugs. Look for the "redi-tab" at the pharmacy.

Q: How do you know if its allergy or sinusitis or cold?

Dr. Spooner: Good question. Colds usually last a week or 2 tops. Allergies can last a lot longer, and there may be a seasonal pattern (such as "every April I'm stuffy") It takes a little detective work to figure it out. Sinusitis in adults is usually accompanied by fever and sinus pain. In kids it's not as straightforward.

Q: If I think its allergy do you have to go to allergy doctor or can any doctor help?

Dr. Spooner: Any doctor can get you started. I'd recommend an internist for an adult. Allergists are useful when the basic stuff does not work.

Dr. Andy Spooner: Signing off!

This is Channel 3. Thanks for logging onto our chat today. Be sure to tune in next week for our Wednesday chat. We hope today's chat was helpful. You can also visit the UT Medical Group web site at www.utmedicalgroup.com .

Send questions or comments about this web site to news@wreg.com

All content © Copyright 2001 - 2003, WorldNow and WREG. All Rights Reserved.