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Sneezing? Congestion? Itchy, watery eyes? Pollen levels locally are already reaching high levels, according to Pollen.com, a national pollen count tracker. Readers asked questions about allergies and treatment at noon on Wednesday, March 16, during a live web chat with Dr. Maripaz Morales, an allergist at Children's Hospitals of The King's Daughters (CHKD) in Norfolk, and Dr. Ann Zilliox, allergist and immunologist with Allergy and Asthma of Oyster Point in Newport News. E-mail questions to vchufo@dailypress.com.

Allergies: Ask the experts during a live Web chat at noon March 16

(03/16/2011)

  

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11:54

Veronica Chufo, Daily Press:  HI! Welcome to today's live Web chat on allergies. We'll begin shortly. Wednesday March 16, 2011 11:54 Veronica Chufo, Daily Press

11:54

maripaz morales:  Veronica, this Dr Maripaz Morales CHKD allergist working at Chesapeake and Oyster Point satellites as well. Wednesday March 16, 2011 11:54 maripaz morales

11:55

Veronica Chufo, Daily Press:  Find more health news and information at dailypress.com/health, twitter.com/veronicachufo and facebook.com/dphealth. Wednesday March 16, 2011 11:55 Veronica Chufo, Daily Press

11:55

Veronica Chufo, Daily Press:  Dr. Morales, thanks so much for joining us! Readers, you can start submitting questions for our panelists. Wednesday March 16, 2011 11:55 Veronica Chufo, Daily Press

11:56

Dr. Ann Zilliox:  Hi, This is Dr Ann Zilliox, Allergy and Asthma of Oyster Point in Newport Nes and Williamsburg Wednesday March 16, 2011 11:56 Dr. Ann Zilliox

11:56

Veronica Chufo, Daily Press:  Dr. Zilliox, welcome! Wednesday March 16, 2011 11:56 Veronica Chufo, Daily Press

11:56

Veronica Chufo, Daily Press:  Our first question comes by email from J.O.: During allergy season, my 6-year-old daughter develops dark circle underneath her eyes. It almost looks like she has a black eye. What can I do to make this go away? Wednesday March 16, 2011 11:56 Veronica Chufo, Daily Press

11:57

Veronica Chufo, Daily Press:  And here's another reader's question: I don’t necessarily have a sore throat but I¿m always clearing my throat and my voice tends to crack, is that due to some type of allergy? Wednesday March 16, 2011 11:57 Veronica Chufo, Daily Press

11:58

maripaz morales:  This could be a sign of nasal congestion. Treating symptoms of nasal congestion with antihistamines or nasal steroids could help the dark circles eventually. Wednesday March 16, 2011 11:58 maripaz morales

11:58

Dr. Ann Zilliox:  Allergic shinners are often due to s stuffy nose. Managing her nasal allergies often will minimize the dark circles. Wednesday March 16, 2011 11:58 Dr. Ann Zilliox

11:59

Dr. Ann Zilliox:  About the clearing throat and voice... Wednesday March 16, 2011 11:59 Dr. Ann Zilliox

11:59

Dr. Ann Zilliox:  Those symptoms may be due to post nasal drainage or, in adults could be a sign of refluxing stomach acid Wednesday March 16, 2011 11:59 Dr. Ann Zilliox

12:00

Veronica Chufo, Daily Press:  What can you do about post nasal drainage? Wednesday March 16, 2011 12:00 Veronica Chufo, Daily Press

12:00

maripaz morales:  Its possible that the sore throat could be a sign of postnasal drip symptoms due to allergies or chronic sinusitis. Other causes could also be GI symptoms like gastric reflux. Patient should therefore monitor other associated symptoms with the sore throat. Wednesday March 16, 2011 12:00 maripaz morales

12:01

Dr. Ann Zilliox:  Often we will aggressively try to manage nasal symptoms and see if the throat and voice improve. If not then a search for another diagnosis is in order. Wednesday March 16, 2011 12:01 Dr. Ann Zilliox

12:02

maripaz morales:  postnasal drip symptoms from allergies is usually helped the most by nasal steroids. Wednesday March 16, 2011 12:02 maripaz morales

12:02

Veronica Chufo, Daily Press:  To manage post nasal drainage, do you need a prescription, or will on over-the-counter work? Wednesday March 16, 2011 12:02 Veronica Chufo, Daily Press

12:03

Dr. Ann Zilliox:  As Dr M. has stated, nasal steroid sprays work best and these are prescription meds Wednesday March 16, 2011 12:03 Dr. Ann Zilliox

12:03

Are you experiencing allergy symptoms? Yes  ( 100% ) No  ( 0% ) No, not yet  ( 0% ) My kids are.  ( 0% ) Wednesday March 16, 2011 12:03

12:03

Veronica Chufo, Daily Press:  When is allergy season around here? Wednesday March 16, 2011 12:03 Veronica Chufo, Daily Press

12:03

maripaz morales:  over the counter saline may also help somewhat but nasal steroids is mostly prescription. Do not use over the counter meds like Afrin as it can cause a rebound effect worsening the problem. Wednesday March 16, 2011 12:03 maripaz morales

12:04

Dr. Ann Zilliox:  Post nasal drip is always a challenge because so many different problems can present with the same sounding symptom Wednesday March 16, 2011 12:04 Dr. Ann Zilliox

12:04

maripaz morales:  spring pollen allergies from trees have already started Wednesday March 16, 2011 12:04 maripaz morales

12:05

Veronica Chufo, Daily Press:  How long does allergy season run? Wednesday March 16, 2011 12:05 Veronica Chufo, Daily Press

12:05

Dr. Ann Zilliox:  Tree pollen runs March thru mid May and grass April tru June Wednesday March 16, 2011 12:05 Dr. Ann Zilliox

12:06

Veronica Chufo, Daily Press:  What are some ways to minimize exposure to allergens? Wednesday March 16, 2011 12:06 Veronica Chufo, Daily Press

12:06

maripaz morales:  agree with Dr Zilliox but it really varies per year and per region Wednesday March 16, 2011 12:06 maripaz morales

12:06

Dr. Ann Zilliox:  Pollen exposure sounds easy but is hard to accomplish in practice... Wednesday March 16, 2011 12:06 Dr. Ann Zilliox

12:07

Dr. Ann Zilliox:  Avoid open windows in home and car and minimize outdoor exposure Wednesday March 16, 2011 12:07 Dr. Ann Zilliox

12:07

Veronica Chufo, Daily Press:  Readers, we are chatting with Dr. Ann Zilliox, Allergy and Asthma of Oyster Point in Newport News and Williamsburg, and Dr. Maripaz Morales, a CHKD allergist. Here's your chance to ask questions about allergies! Wednesday March 16, 2011 12:07 Veronica Chufo, Daily Press

12:07

maripaz morales:  Outdoor allergies are a real challenge as patient needs to enjoy outdoors as well. That's when meds play a role to improve their quality of life Wednesday March 16, 2011 12:07 maripaz morales

12:08

Veronica Chufo, Daily Press:  At what point does someone need to see an allergist? Wednesday March 16, 2011 12:08 Veronica Chufo, Daily Press

12:08

Dr. Ann Zilliox:  I agree with Dr. Morales Wednesday March 16, 2011 12:08 Dr. Ann Zilliox

12:09

Dr. Ann Zilliox:  I think it makes sense to see an allergist when your symptoms are getting in the way of your daily life Wednesday March 16, 2011 12:09 Dr. Ann Zilliox

12:09

[Comment From Laura IrbyLaura Irby: ]  I don't have much nasal congestion but a chronic headache which is only relieved with benedryl. Zyrtec doesn't do anything. I'd love to get off the benedryl, it is constipating and I feel draggy, taking it. Wednesday March 16, 2011 12:09 Laura Irby

12:10

Dr. Ann Zilliox:  There are a lot of different approaches we can take to improve the situation Wednesday March 16, 2011 12:10 Dr. Ann Zilliox

12:10

maripaz morales:  When patients have done avoidance measures like pet dander control, or dust mite control and have tried some over the counter relief like antihistamines and didn't help, affecting their quality of life, that I think is the time to have evaluation Wednesday March 16, 2011 12:10 maripaz morales

12:11

[Comment From Laura IrbyLaura Irby: ]  What type of evaluation? This definitly seems to be connected to tree pollen in the spring Wednesday March 16, 2011 12:11 Laura Irby

12:11

Dr. Ann Zilliox:  A lot can be accomplished by just being able to define the problem and make a definitive diagnosis Wednesday March 16, 2011 12:11 Dr. Ann Zilliox

12:12

Dr. Ann Zilliox:  Allergy testing is usually the first step in evaluating a patient Wednesday March 16, 2011 12:12 Dr. Ann Zilliox

12:12

maripaz morales:  For the headaches most likely due to sinus congestion, you can either try another non sedating antihistamines like Claritin, Clarinex, allegra etc and combine with a nasal steroid Wednesday March 16, 2011 12:12 maripaz morales

12:12

Veronica Chufo, Daily Press:  What are some of the symptoms of allergies? Wednesday March 16, 2011 12:12 Veronica Chufo, Daily Press

12:12

Dr. Ann Zilliox:  but additional evaluation may include testing for asthma or sinus disease, etc Wednesday March 16, 2011 12:12 Dr. Ann Zilliox

12:12

[Comment From PamPam: ]  Does taking Ibuprofen help since it might take down inflammation in the nasal passages? Wednesday March 16, 2011 12:12 Pam

12:13

[Comment From Laura IrbyLaura Irby: ]  I've tried a number of them but the only one that seems to completely relieve the problem is benedryl generic. Yes, ibuprofen is a God-send but it still lingers on, though better Wednesday March 16, 2011 12:13 Laura Irby

12:13

maripaz morales:  Agree with dr Zilliox, allergy skin testing will be the first step to pinpoint if this is really allergies that is the problem Wednesday March 16, 2011 12:13 maripaz morales

12:13

Dr. Ann Zilliox:  Ibuprofen may help pain but it doesn't address allergic inflammation well. Topical nasal steroids do this much better Wednesday March 16, 2011 12:13 Dr. Ann Zilliox

12:14

[Comment From PamPam: ]  Can allergies cause a sinus infection needing antibiotics? Wednesday March 16, 2011 12:14 Pam

12:14

maripaz morales:  Ibuprofen has no component to help with the inflammation that starts the allergy symptoms. its prob just a symptomatic relief for the headaches but not helping the main problem Wednesday March 16, 2011 12:14 maripaz morales

12:15

[Comment From Laura IrbyLaura Irby: ]  My Dr. has tried Nasonex, Nasacort AQ and now Fluctazone.......decreases it but the headache remains. I haven't had a sinus infection for years......just the inflammation. Wednesday March 16, 2011 12:15 Laura Irby

12:15

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]  Shouldn't steroid use be limited? Is it ok to use them every year for seasonal allergies. Wednesday March 16, 2011 12:15 Guest

12:15

Dr. Ann Zilliox:  Allergies can cause nasal stuffiness which can increase the risk of sinus infection. But antibiotics do not treat allergies directly Wednesday March 16, 2011 12:15 Dr. Ann Zilliox

12:15

maripaz morales:  Allergies can cause obstructive type issues that causes sinusitis or even ear problems Wednesday March 16, 2011 12:15 maripaz morales

12:17

maripaz morales:  For the chronic sinusitis question, have you had a sinus imaging done to check on any anatomic obstructive problems like polyps and the like? coz that could be another issue that needs to be addressed if meds are not helping Wednesday March 16, 2011 12:17 maripaz morales

12:17

Veronica Chufo, Daily Press:  You mentioned a few over-the-counter meds...do you have any other over-the-counter med recommendations? Wednesday March 16, 2011 12:17 Veronica Chufo, Daily Press

12:17

Dr. Ann Zilliox:  Isolated headaches that do not respond well to nasal steroids may be caused by something other than allergies (like migraines) or are due to allergies that are severe enough that some other allergy approach may be necesary Wednesday March 16, 2011 12:17 Dr. Ann Zilliox

12:17

[Comment From Laura IrbyLaura Irby: ]  Last winter my husband started sneezing about the time of the evergreen pollen but the Zyrtec seems to be taking care of it. He's lived here all his life with not allergies [ 74 yr.s] Then......sneezing! Wednesday March 16, 2011 12:17 Laura Irby

12:17

[Comment From Laura IrbyLaura Irby: ]  OK, Thank you! Wednesday March 16, 2011 12:17 Laura Irby

12:18

maripaz morales:  Nasal steroids are generally safe for chronic use. the only usual side effect is nose bleeds. Wednesday March 16, 2011 12:18 maripaz morales

12:18

Dr. Ann Zilliox:  Perennial allergy symptoms are likely due to indoor allergens like house dust mites or indoor animals Wednesday March 16, 2011 12:18 Dr. Ann Zilliox

12:19

Veronica Chufo, Daily Press:  How often do people grow out of allergies? How often do they develop later in life? Wednesday March 16, 2011 12:19 Veronica Chufo, Daily Press

12:19

[Comment From PamPam: ]  I've heard that allergies are closely associated with asthma...is that true? Wednesday March 16, 2011 12:19 Pam

12:19

Dr. Ann Zilliox:  74 is not the most common age to begin allergy symptoms, but my own mother first developed allergies at 75 years. So I know it can happen! Wednesday March 16, 2011 12:19 Dr. Ann Zilliox

12:20

maripaz morales:  If the allergen is completely avoided, symptoms can imrpove thru time Wednesday March 16, 2011 12:20 maripaz morales

12:20

maripaz morales:  Asthma and allergies are closely associated especially in children Wednesday March 16, 2011 12:20 maripaz morales

12:20

Dr. Ann Zilliox:  Fully 80% of allergic individuals first developed allergy symptoms before 20 years old Wednesday March 16, 2011 12:20 Dr. Ann Zilliox

12:21

What allergy symptoms are you experiencing? Sneezing  ( 0% ) Post-nasal drip  ( 0% ) Nasal congestion  ( 0% ) Itchy, watery or dry eyes  ( 50% ) All of the above  ( 50% ) Wednesday March 16, 2011 12:21

12:21

[Comment From Laura IrbyLaura Irby: ]  What about the new desensitizing therapies, such as those that are being used for children's allergies to peanut butter. Anything for adults? Wednesday March 16, 2011 12:21 Laura Irby

12:21

Dr. Ann Zilliox:  But that still leaves a lot of adult to develop symptoms later in life Wednesday March 16, 2011 12:21 Dr. Ann Zilliox

12:22

maripaz morales:  the results of the peanut desensitization in children is still not conclusive, studies are still underway Wednesday March 16, 2011 12:22 maripaz morales

12:22

Veronica Chufo, Daily Press:  Are you seeing an increase in the number of people with allergies? Wednesday March 16, 2011 12:22 Veronica Chufo, Daily Press

12:22

[Comment From PamPam: ]  Do "nettie pots" help? Wednesday March 16, 2011 12:22 Pam

12:22

Dr. Ann Zilliox:  Immunotherapy (allergy shots) are available to help with respiratory allergens Wednesday March 16, 2011 12:22 Dr. Ann Zilliox

12:23

maripaz morales:  allergies are on the rise whether its nasal/respiratory or food or skin allergy issues Wednesday March 16, 2011 12:23 maripaz morales

12:23

Dr. Ann Zilliox:  Nettie pots use with saline are very helpful with thick nasal drainage and sometimes with stuffy nose too. Wednesday March 16, 2011 12:23 Dr. Ann Zilliox

12:24

maripaz morales:  Nettie pots are like saline rinses that can help relieve nasal congestion Wednesday March 16, 2011 12:24 maripaz morales

12:24

Dr. Ann Zilliox:  getting people to try a Nettie pot is the hard part! Wednesday March 16, 2011 12:24 Dr. Ann Zilliox

12:24

Veronica Chufo, Daily Press:  Are there any other home remedies people could try? Wednesday March 16, 2011 12:24 Veronica Chufo, Daily Press

12:25

[Comment From PamPam: ]  10 years ago, I developed an allergy to pure honey. I've had to be rushed to the ER twice. Is an allergy to honey common? Wednesday March 16, 2011 12:25 Pam

12:25

maripaz morales:  cleaning the house can help with indoor alergens like dust mites or pet dander allergies Wednesday March 16, 2011 12:25 maripaz morales

12:26

Veronica Chufo, Daily Press:  Are allergies more prevalent here than in other places? Wednesday March 16, 2011 12:26 Veronica Chufo, Daily Press

12:26

Dr. Ann Zilliox:  Allergy to honey is not common. It would make me wonder what else could be the cause Wednesday March 16, 2011 12:26 Dr. Ann Zilliox

12:26

[Comment From Laura IrbyLaura Irby: ]  Just wear a mask while your are cleaning! LOL Wednesday March 16, 2011 12:26 Laura Irby

12:27

maripaz morales:  Allergies are everywhere but probably worse in areas with high pollen like ours Wednesday March 16, 2011 12:27 maripaz morales

12:27

Dr. Ann Zilliox:  Every area has it's own problems. Relatively speaking, we have a lot of tree pollen in the spring and a lot of House dust mite issues Wednesday March 16, 2011 12:27 Dr. Ann Zilliox

12:27

Veronica Chufo, Daily Press:  Readers, we are chatting with Dr. Maripaz Morales, a CHKD allergist, and Dr. Ann Zilliox, Allergy and Asthma of Oyster Point in Newport News and Williamsburg. Don't miss your chance to ask them your allergy questions! Wednesday March 16, 2011 12:27 Veronica Chufo, Daily Press

12:28

Dr. Ann Zilliox:  House dust mite thrives in areas with low altitude and high humidity. That's us! Wednesday March 16, 2011 12:28 Dr. Ann Zilliox

12:28

Veronica Chufo, Daily Press:  Is there any way to avoid getting allergies? Wednesday March 16, 2011 12:28 Veronica Chufo, Daily Press

12:29

maripaz morales:  I guess with the genetic component of allergies, its hard to really avoid your predisposition to develop it Wednesday March 16, 2011 12:29 maripaz morales

12:29

Dr. Ann Zilliox:  Individuals are genetically predisposed to become allergic. Everything we try to do to avoid developing them hasn't seemed to work too well Wednesday March 16, 2011 12:29 Dr. Ann Zilliox

12:29

Veronica Chufo, Daily Press:  Are allergies in children treated differently than allergies in adults? Wednesday March 16, 2011 12:29 Veronica Chufo, Daily Press

12:30

maripaz morales:  It would be the same treatment for both adults and kids. Wednesday March 16, 2011 12:30 maripaz morales

12:30

Dr. Ann Zilliox:  For example, we used to be sure that avoiding animals was the way to avoid becoming allergic to them. Now that seems much less certain. Wednesday March 16, 2011 12:30 Dr. Ann Zilliox

12:31

Veronica Chufo, Daily Press:  Like today's chat? Browse transcripts of previous health chats at http://www.dailypress.com/health/dp-life-health-chat-transcripts-sg,0,116596.storygallery. We're here every Wednesday from noon until 1 p.m.! Wednesday March 16, 2011 12:31 Veronica Chufo, Daily Press

12:31

Veronica Chufo, Daily Press:  Would someone need to be on allergy medication year-round? Or could they just take it during the season they experience the allergy? Wednesday March 16, 2011 12:31 Veronica Chufo, Daily Press

12:31

Dr. Ann Zilliox:  I think the problem with many adults is that there is a greater chance that other problems coexist with allergic disease. So it's sometimes more compicated. Wednesday March 16, 2011 12:31 Dr. Ann Zilliox

12:33

Dr. Ann Zilliox:  Strictly seasonal allergies can be managed with seasonal medications. But year round symptoms require a year round approach Wednesday March 16, 2011 12:33 Dr. Ann Zilliox

12:33

maripaz morales:  Taking the meds really depends on patients symptoms and what their allergies are based on their skin tests. that's when the allergy skin test becomes more helpful to pinpoint the timing of symptoms and medication need Wednesday March 16, 2011 12:33 maripaz morales

12:34

Dr. Ann Zilliox:  Luckily almost all our medications for allergies are safe to use routinely. Wednesday March 16, 2011 12:34 Dr. Ann Zilliox

12:35

Dr. Ann Zilliox:  I think the value of allergy skin test results cannot be overstated. It helps the physician and the patient be sure of what is going on. It sounds basic but that part often gets overlooked. Wednesday March 16, 2011 12:35 Dr. Ann Zilliox

12:36

Veronica Chufo, Daily Press:  Readers, we are chatting with Dr. Maripaz Morales, a CHKD allergist, and Dr. Ann Zilliox, Allergy and Asthma of Oyster Point in Newport News and Williamsburg. You're running out of time to ask them your allergy questions! Wednesday March 16, 2011 12:36 Veronica Chufo, Daily Press

12:37

Veronica Chufo, Daily Press:  Why are allergies on the rise? Wednesday March 16, 2011 12:37 Veronica Chufo, Daily Press

12:37

Dr. Ann Zilliox:  We really don't know Wednesday March 16, 2011 12:37 Dr. Ann Zilliox

12:37

Dr. Ann Zilliox:  there are lots of theories and a lot of research looking into that very question. Wednesday March 16, 2011 12:37 Dr. Ann Zilliox

12:38

Veronica Chufo, Daily Press:  What are some of the most common allergens? Wednesday March 16, 2011 12:38 Veronica Chufo, Daily Press

12:38

Dr. Ann Zilliox:  Tree, grass and weed pollens. House dust mite, molds, cat and dog are most common Wednesday March 16, 2011 12:38 Dr. Ann Zilliox

12:38

maripaz morales:  Indoor allergens like dust, pets and molds and outdoors like trees grass and weeds Wednesday March 16, 2011 12:38 maripaz morales

12:38

Dr. Ann Zilliox:  Food allergies are far less common Wednesday March 16, 2011 12:38 Dr. Ann Zilliox

12:39

Veronica Chufo, Daily Press:  Dr. Morales and Dr. Zilliox, do you have any advice to people dealing with allergies? Any websites you recommend? Wednesday March 16, 2011 12:39 Veronica Chufo, Daily Press

12:40

Veronica Chufo, Daily Press:  Readers, last call for questions for our two panelists! Wednesday March 16, 2011 12:40 Veronica Chufo, Daily Press

12:40

maripaz morales:  the academy of allergy website aaaai.org and acaai.org are good sites to visit Wednesday March 16, 2011 12:40 maripaz morales

12:40

Dr. Ann Zilliox:  The American Academy of Allergy and Immunology (AAAAI.org) has a lot of good information Wednesday March 16, 2011 12:40 Dr. Ann Zilliox

12:41

Veronica Chufo, Daily Press:  Dr. Morales and Dr. Zilliox, any final thoughts or advice? Wednesday March 16, 2011 12:41 Veronica Chufo, Daily Press

12:43

Dr. Ann Zilliox:  I think many patients accept felling miserable as part of their daily life. I would advise people to expect a lot from their allergy treatment and seek help if it's not good enough Wednesday March 16, 2011 12:43 Dr. Ann Zilliox

12:43

maripaz morales:  the allergy season is upon us now. I would recommend for patients to enjoy their daily activities but be mindful of the pollen count as well and prob minimize exposure and stay away and consult with your physicians if symptoms do affect their quality of life Wednesday March 16, 2011 12:43 maripaz morales

12:44

Dr. Ann Zilliox:  It is also inportant to see a board certified, fellowship trained allergist/immunologist Wednesday March 16, 2011 12:44 Dr. Ann Zilliox

12:44

Veronica Chufo, Daily Press:  Thanks! Wednesday March 16, 2011 12:44 Veronica Chufo, Daily Press

12:44

Veronica Chufo, Daily Press:  Dr. Morales and Dr. Zilliox, thanks so much for joining us today. Readers, thanks for tuning in and asking questions. Join us next week ¿ Wednesday, March 23, at noon ¿ for a live web chat on kidney disease. Wednesday March 16, 2011 12:44 Veronica Chufo, Daily Press

12:44

maripaz morales:  thank you Wednesday March 16, 2011 12:44 maripaz morales

12:44

Dr. Ann Zilliox:  Thank you! Have a nice, healthy spring. Wednesday March 16, 2011 12:44 Dr. Ann Zilliox

12:45

Veronica Chufo, Daily Press:  That concludes today's Web chat. Find more health news and information at dailypress.com/health, twitter.com/veronicachufo and facebook.com/dphealth. Wednesday March 16, 2011 12:45 Veronica Chufo, Daily Press

12:45