Allergy season time for education in the workplace

Allergies have a tremendous effect on a company's bottom line, even though most allergies are not directly caused by work conditions.

As many as 50 million Americans suffer from allergies, according to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases of the National Institutes of Health, and 10,000 workdays are lost annually due to allergy complaints. The staggering cost to companies is estimated to be between $250 million and $6 billion a year in medical claims, lost workdays and low productivity.

How employees choose to treat the symptoms can add to the problem at work. Sedating allergy medications used by some employees can lead to drowsiness, resulting in low productivity and poor quality.

According to one survey cited in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, "during the three days after filling a prescription for a sedating antihistamine, employees were 7.8 percent less productive than average, whereas those who filled a non- sedating antihistamine prescription were 5.2 percent more productive. The choice of treatment had a very substantial impact with regard to at-work productivity."

Safety issues must also be considered, especially when an employee is working around heavy equipment or moving machinery or if they are driving.

Since spring brings pollen from trees, weeds and grass, now is a good time for companies to provide some education to their employees concerning:

* Causes and symptoms of allergies.

* How to recognize allergy symptoms before they become debilitating.

* The difference between antihistamines and decongestants, and sedating and non-sedating drugs.

* When to seek professional help and when to self-medicate.

* How to reduce or eliminate allergens through lifestyle changes.

This information can be distributed through company wellness programs, employee newsletter articles, paycheck stuffers, flyers, posters and literature made available through the benefits office or on-site clinic.

People can be allergic to a variety of everyday things but, for the purposes of this article, we will deal mostly with seasonal allergies (hay fever or allergic rhinitis) caused by various pollens, mold and dust in the air.

When an allergic person comes into contact with one of these irritants -- called allergens -- they develop symptoms of sneezing, coughing, runny nose, congestion, sinus headache, fatigue, itching of the eyes, nose and throat, dark circles around the eyes, and watery, inflamed eyes.

While a cold can cause similar symptoms, there are differences that can help you distinguish if you are being attacked by allergens or a virus. Colds don't cause itching, and allergies don't produce fever, chills and muscle aches. However, secondary sinus infections can result when congestion is prolonged, and they can cause fever.

Recognizing the symptoms of allergies when they first strike and beginning treatment immediately can reduce the more debilitating symptoms.

Treatment options

How do you treat allergies? The best way is to avoid contact with the allergen, but that isn't easy when airborne substances are the culprits. Many allergy sufferers choose to self-medicate with over- the-counter medications. The variety of products can be confusing. The two most common over-the-counter options include antihistamines (or a "non-drowsy" alternative) and decongestants.

Antihistamines are effective in drying up the excess mucus caused by allergic reaction. The downside to this product, however, is that it is sedating and can cause drowsiness. Many over-the-counter products now offer "non-drowsy" options that work as well for most people. For persistent cases, prescription antihistamines such as Claritin and Allegra are very effective for most people and are also non-drowsy.

Decongestants are for treating sinus congestion. They break up the thickened mucus. While effective, they can also produce side effects such as high blood pressure, heart palpitations, irregular or rapid heartbeat, restlessness, insomnia and headache. Anyone with high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes or a thyroid condition should consult a physician before taking an over-the-counter decongestant.

Nasal decongestant sprays constrict blood vessels in the nose, relieving the stuffiness temporarily. However, overuse can result in "rebound" congestion, making the original condition even worse. Prescription nasal sprays that have a local drying effect on the mucus membrane to decrease the inflammatory process or that stabilize the cells that cause fluid to accumulate in the sinuses are also available.

A doctor can determine which medication will best work for an individual. Severe, chronic allergy symptoms should be diagnosed and treated by a physician for best results. Studies have shown that chronic allergy symptoms can lead to asthma, and should be controlled as much as possible. For severe cases, allergy testing and shots may be recommended. In this treatment option, the patient is injected regularly with increasing doses of the allergen to build resistance in the body. This is a more long-term treatment option that can bring lasting relief.

While difficult to avoid completely, contact with certain allergens can be reduced. Because pollen counts are highest in the early morning, stay indoors until lunchtime if possible. Allergy sufferers should keep windows closed during high-pollen season. If yard work is necessary, a facemask can help.

Clothes worn while performing these tasks should be left outdoors, or washed immediately. The best time for outdoor activities for a pollen-sensitive person is immediately following a heavy rainfall, since pollen is dispersed more slowly under those conditions.

Those who are allergic to mold should avoid spending time in the country when crops are being harvested or on windy days.

If dust mites are the culprits, those who are allergic may benefit from ridding the bedroom of carpet, blinds, feather pillows and down comforters. Vacuum cleaners fitted with a high-efficiency particulate air filter can reduce dust in the home. Air conditioners, especially those equipped with special filters, can help filter pollen and mold from a home or car.

When using flowers in household decorating, large and bright ones have bigger pollens that are less likely to cause allergic reactions. Dried weeds and grasses should be avoided in floral arrangements. The number of household plants should also be limited to prevent an abundance of mold growing in wet soil.

Many people are allergic to pet dander. Anyone considering an indoor pet should consider the consequences if someone with allergies lives in the home or visits often.

A physician or allergist can provide other suggestions for reducing contact with allergens.

By simply being aware of the potential problems associated with allergies, employers take the first step toward reducing illness and its associated cost. Educating its work force is mutually beneficial for the company and its employees.

Randel D. Estep is with Saints Occupational Health Network/Reno Clinic.

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