Spring means the same two things every year for Brian Nehus: The grass grows, and his nose runs.
The 27-year-old from Kingsville finally had enough and ended up at the Asthma Sinus Allergy Program at Greater Baltimore Medical Center. He learned after a battery of skin tests that he is indeed allergic to his lawn, as well as weeds and cats.
"I need to cut the grass," said Nehus, as he studied his arm, which was full of red blotches, the result of the tests. "I have about an acre of land. It takes me four hours to mow."
Many people can't completely avoid the things that make them sneeze, wheeze and itch, but those who treat the problem say there is help for Nehus and the estimated 35 million Americans who suffer from allergies to one or more kinds of pollen and mold.
The troubles begin in early spring, when trees begin to pollinate to fertilize other plants. Grass pollen follows in early summer, and weed pollen comes in late summer and fall. The tiny grains are inhaled and greeted in the body as foreign invaders. Chemicals called histamines, normally released in the body to battle viruses or bacteria, are let loose against the allergens. Symptoms of the process include nasal inflammation, sneezing and other watery reactions.
The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology says such allergies lead to more than 12 million doctor visits annually and are one of the main reasons for missed days of work and school.
Dr. Alvin Sanico at the GBMC allergy center said the first step to getting relief is identifying that allergies are the problem, and he and his staff were conducting a stream of tests one recent day. Testing takes 20 minutes and normally involves 42 tiny pricks that place a small amount of allergen from trees, weeds, animals and pests into the skin on the arms. Those spots that develop a significant red bump mean an allergy. Extra tests can be added for less common pets and foods.
There generally are three strategies for treatment, Sanico said. The first is avoidance of allergens, which means such things as keeping cats or dogs out of the bedroom, using dust mite covers on pillows and using air conditioning instead of opening windows.
The second is medication. That includes over-the-counter antihistamines to stop the reaction to allergens, decongestants to clear up stuffiness, daily steroid sprays that control inflammation and inhalers for asthma.
The third strategy is immunotherapy, or shots, to build immunity.
