Fall Wedding Tips For Allergy Sufferers

                         

Most people think of spring and summer as wedding season, but the fall is now the most popular time to get married.  October  (17%) and September (15%) respectively are the two months with the most weddings according to the Knot's Real Weddings survey of over 18,000 respondents.  Who could blame these autumn brides- the weather is perfect and the gorgeous trees provide the perfect scenery for any ceremony.

Runny noses, hives, itchy watery eyes and coughing have no place at your wedding.  High pollen counts from fall weeds and ragweed can trigger asthma and allergic eyes and noses, increased stress may bring about unnecessary hives, and new make up products may cause you to have a rash.   You want to focus on all the happiness at hand, not being itchy and scratchy! What should you do if you have fall allergies and are getting married in New York?  Here are some tips to help prevent allergy symptoms at your New York fall wedding.

1) Increased stress, new make up products and outdoor venues often trigger itchy red skin and rashes.

• Pack an over the counter anti itch spray, like benadryl, and a tube of hydrocortisone cream in your make up bag just in case you get bitten by a mosquito or have hive. 
• Put anti-itch spray in the bathroom for guests to use if it's an outside venue and mosquitoes are still biting. 
• If you have a history of reactions to makeups, check with your allergist before hand to make sure they won't cause a reaction on your wedding day.  

2) Cough, cough cough....high pollen counts from ragweed and fall weed pollen, mold spores from decaying leaves, and cooler temperatures often trigger asthma.   

• If you suffer from asthma and are getting married schedule an appointment with your allergist before your big day.  They'll help you put a plan together to prevent symptoms.
• Don't only look at the weather forcast, but check pollen and mold spores level forecast for your big day.  Sites like www.pollen.com will give you an accurate forecast of any area in the country.  
• Make sure your inhalers are not expired and you know how to use them.  Fast acting asthma inhalers like albuterol can leave you jittery if you don't have a proper technique.  
• Use your albuterol inhaler 30 minutes before your ceremony

3) Achoo, Achoo ACHOO.... !  Airborn pollen can trigger your nose to have an allergic reaction.

• Suffer from allergies in your nose?  Don't forget to take an anti-histamine on the day of your wedding.  Worried that it will make you sleepy?  Try taking 1/2 the dose before your wedding to see if symptoms subside and your not left drowsy. 
• Pack tissues.  Have a few extras for guests- they are perfect for those who get weepy and sneezy at a wedding! 

4) Are those tears of joy or.... from allergies ? 

• Many who suffer from allergic eyes are often asked if they are crying!  Let the only tears coming from your eyes be ones of happiness and joy on your wedding day.  
• Speak with your allergist about the best prescription eye drop for you to use.  Many will stop the symptoms of irritated and itchy eyes for 24 hours.
• Attending an outdoor wedding this fall? Don't forget your shades!  Sunglasses aren't only for protecting your eyes from the sun, but help keep airborne fall pollen and mold spores away from your eyes.

5) Have food allergies?  Don't forget your epinephrine and benadryl!

• Wedding food is a common place where people have accidental exposure to foods.  Milk, egg, peanut, tree nuts, shellfish, and sesame are often hidden ingredients in the salad or on the buffet line.
• Make sure you tell your host of your food allergy and mention it to your server before digging in.  
• Watch for cross contamination.  Want more tips on how to monitor for cross contamination?  Check out FARE's website
• Above all, if you're worried about a possible allergen in your food, skip the course.  You don't want to have severe reaction and not be able to get to medical attention quickly (or draw attention away from the bride and groom.

Hopefully these tips will help keep you and your guests comfortable during your fall wedding!  Need specific advice on dealing with your allergies and New York wedding?  Please contact us for an appointment.  Gramercy Allergy is New York's premier allergy office and offers expert allergy advice in New York regardless of the problem.

How to Go Back To School With Allergies and Asthma Successfully?

September brings new backpacks, schools, friend and teachers.  It's also a great time  for parents with children with asthma this is a time to revisit your child's asthma action plan.  Changes in the weather from summer to fall also triggers new pollen's to be released.  In NYC, September is ragweed and fall pollen season.  Decaying leaves also trigger mold spores to be high.  These are all potential triggers for asthma and allergy attacks.

How can you go back to school successfully with allergies and asthma?

1) Make an appointment with your allergist.  A board certified allergist will help identify what's triggering symptoms.  Gramercy Allergy and Asthma will help put together an asthma and allergy action plan to keep you child healthy as they start the school year.  Our goal for you- no missed school days this year from uncontrolled asthma and allergies.

2) Get reevaluated yearly.    Allergies change throughout the course of a life.  Food, environmental and chemical sensitivities can come and go.  Food allergies should be evaluated on a regular basis.  make sure your epinephrine and other medications are up to date and you remember how to use them.


3) Talk to the Teacher.  If allergies for your child are triggered by indoor allergens, make sure the teachers are aware.  Food allergies in the classroom can be particularly scary for children.  Talk to them if they are having anxiety about eating with others. Food allergies in the classroom may be the cause of bullying.  Keep an open dialogue with your children regarding any issues that might arise over the the course of the year.  The FARE Teal Pumpkin project is a great way to introduce food allergies to a classroom.

4) Have a plan!  Don't let allergies and asthma prevent your child from participating in gym, after school events and play because of exercise induced symptoms.  Children with asthma should be able to participate in any activity or sport they choose with the right plan and medication.

5) Get the flu vaccine!  The flu can trigger severe asthma.  All children should be vaccinated.


Do you need more help with  treating asthma and allergies this school year?  Schedule an appointment with us.  Gramercy Allergy specializes in treatment of allergies and asthma in New York City..