Press Release

For Immediate Release
Contact: Tom Capezzuto
(973) 972-7273
E-mail: capezzta@umdnj.edu

POLLEN ALERT!
Early Arrival of Spring Promises an Extended Pollen Season for Allergy Sufferers

"The unusually mild weather gives impetus to an early spring and that translates into an intense release of pollen-producing tree buds, grasses and weeds weeks ahead of schedule," said Dr. Leonard Bielory, director of the Asthma and Allergy Research Center at the UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School in Newark. "Patients have started calling with allergy complaints and I'm already seeing patients who are experiencing allergies as the 2004 season begins."

Nagging sneezing fits, in addition to itchy, teary eyes, are the symptoms associated with the arrival of the pollen season. "People with pollen allergies needs to see their physicians now and begin taking medications before the pollen count increases dramatically," Dr. Bielory said. "The earlier you treat the problem, the sooner you will minimize the symptoms."

Treatments range from over-the-counter medications to alternative medicine approaches, such as herbal nasal sprays, to prescription medications. "Keeping windows shut at home and in the car also may minimize exposure and discomfort, "Dr. Bielory said.

Pollen can serve as a primary trigger for life-threatening asthma attacks. "Allergies, in fact, account for about 90 percent of all pediatric asthma cases and contributes to at least half of all adult asthma cases," he said.

Dr. Bielory is available to discuss the early arrival of pollen season and some of the new medications available. To arrange an interview, call Tom Capezzuto of the UMDNJ News Service at (973) 972-7273.

A daily pollen count, in English and Spanish, is accessible by calling UMDNJ's 24-hour hotline at (973) 972-6518. A pollen count fact sheet also is attached to provide additional information. A new Web site-http://pollen.umdnj.edu-also has been established to assist allergy sufferers.

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