n ALLERGIES continued from page 5 “In the case of seasonal allergies, the main focus is to act early to control symptoms prior to or right at the beginning of that particular season starting,” Pietz said. The most effective treatment of any allergy is avoidance, but while this can work well for allergies to foods, medications, bee stings and other non-air-borne allergens, it is nearly impossible for sufferers of seasonal allergies without relocation to a new climate without the allergen. The next line of defense is symptom relief. Pietz recommends a steroid nasal spray, used daily, during the season of the offending allergen. For example, a ragweed allergy sufferer should begin the steroid nasal spray at the beginning of August and use it daily into November. In addition, oral antihistamines or antihistamine-decongestants can be used as needed, as well as nasal saline, topic decongestants and antihistamine sprays. Hanson suggests trying over-the-counter medications like Claritin, Allegra, Zyrtec and Bendryl. Flonase is a commonly used steroid nasal spray, which is prescription-only, as is Singulair, which is particularly helpful for allergic asthma. An EpiPen is required if an allergic individual is known to have an anaphylactic reaction. “Once allergy symptoms get beyond a certain point, then an oral steroid, such as prednisone, may be indicated,” Pietz said. However, “there are many potential side effects to oral steroids, so they are not a first line treatment. An injectable steroid is also sometimes used.” There are cases when severe symptoms warrant allergy shots, when other treatments prove ineffective, she adds. Allergy shots, clinically known as allergy immunotherapy, are a type of exposure therapy, meaning the patient is receiving small doses of the allergen with each injection. The dose is started low and then increased as the patient’s immune system desensitizes to the allergen, evident by symptom control. “Since this treatment involves injecting the allergen into the allergic person, it is possible for an anaphylactic reaction to occur,” Pietz said. “Therefore these injections always need to be performed in a clinic or hospital setting, and this is also why allergy shots are a treatment of last resort.” n By Rita Brhel Your Rescue Pets reader submitted photo Meet our rescue cat, Sammy. She wandered into the Wilson Trailer Maintenance Deptment at my husband, Gerald's work in July of 2013. She walked right up to him and wanted to be petted. He put her back outside, only to have her come back in and spend the rest of the day sleeping in one of the storage bins. At the end of the day, he was concerned that putting her back outside would only put her in harm's way. So he got a box and brought her home with him. Our older cat, Cosmo, who is 10 was not happy about this new intruder but over time, he has gotten used to her and they play frequently. He did put a notice on the Wilson Trailer bulletin board, asking if any one had lost a kitten but no one ever contacted him about her. She's now been spayed and declawed and is up to date on her shots. We tell people that she picked us. We had talked about getting another cat after our dog passed away a few years ago. We just never did any thing about it. I guess life decided to make that decision for us. Gerald and Dianne Bahn What’s for dinner? Check Out Chef Staci’s Case at Hy-Vee! Her prepared gourmet foods are the perfect solution for any occasion. Impress your family and friends when you choose from side dishes, appetizers and entrees – prepared by Chef Staci from her own gourmet recipes. 2100 Broadway, Yankton 665-3412 Photo courtesy of Jeanne Schaeffer 6 v HERVOICE MARCH/APRIL 2014