You At Your Best

Thousands of new residents move to Northwest Arkansas each year. Many of them come from more dry environments such as Texas, California or Arizona, and their new surroundings often bring something they have not experienced – allergies. Victor Armstrong, DO, a primary care physician at Washington Regional Crossroads Medical Clinic in Harrison, says it's a story he hears often. "My colleagues and I have noticed a pattern. We see new patients who have moved to Arkansas in the past year or two, and they begin experiencing nasal congestion or asthma flaring up in the spring months." Armstrong says the likely culprit is a new set of allergens not previously encountered. The most common symptoms of allergies and asthma are: • Watery eyes • Red eyes • Cough • Stuffy nose/head congestion • Shortness of breath • Wheezing • Itchy throat Allergens are very common in the Arkansas air, with the state frequently listed as one of the top ten for allergies. Little Rock ranked 44th last year as the most challenging city to live in inside of the U.S. for patients with allergies, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. "It comes as no surprise that if you come from a dry state with significantly fewer trees, grass and weeds, you may have some issues when moving here," Armstrong adds. "People commonly spend the first year in Arkansas sensitizing themselves to the allergens and the next couple years suffering from them. Your allergies will likely slowly improve starting around year four." Armstrong suggests these steps to ease your suffering in the meantime: • Close your bedroom windows at night to reduce pollen in your home • Put hard floors in your bedroom if possible (and the rest of your house if your budget permits) • Use an air purifier by your bed at night • Decrease pet dander "You can also try over-the-counter medicines for relief, such as Opcon-A if your symptoms are mostly limited to the eyes," Armstrong says. "Nasonex or Flonase can help if your symptoms are more nasal and sinus oriented. Claritin can help if your symptoms are more systemic. And, if you cannot control your allergies, you likely cannot control your asthma. So, I would treat your allergies first," Armstrong explains. "If all of this fails, you may need to consult your primary care clinician or go to a local urgent care. They can administer steroid shots and antibiotics, if needed, as well as stronger allergy and decongestant medications. If this doesn't alleviate your symptoms, you may need to consider allergy testing." Northwest Arkansas' climate may have a few drawbacks if you're new to the area, but living here is well worth it. With the proper care, you can enjoy all the Natural State has to offer in springtime and all year round. For more information about Washington Regional Crossroads Medical Clinic, or to make an appointment, call 870-741-3600. spONsOr CONteNt Washington Regional Crossroads Medical Clinic offers care for all members of your family. With four physicians and two advanced practice registered nurses, the clinic serves adults and children of all ages. Crossroads Medical Clinic offers: • Preventive care and wellness visits • Women's health • Treatment of common illnesses and injuries • Treatment of chronic conditions, including diabetes and heart disease • Allergy testing • X-ray, ultrasound, EKG and laboratory services Washington Regional Crossroads Medical Clinic is located at 1420 Highway 62-65 N. in Harrison. For more information, or to schedule an appointment, visit www.wregional.com/crossroads or call 870-741-3600. Televisits are also available! Primary care at Crossroads Medical Clinic Arkansas allergens prove difficult for newcomers "people commonly spend the first year in Arkansas sensitizing themselves to the allergens and the next couple years suffering from them." suNDAY, mArCh 28, 2021 | April - Allergies & AsthmA NwADg.COm/YOuAtYOurBest | YOu At YOur Best | 9

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