Allergies! They're nothing to sneeze at

Gesundheit!

Allergy season is in full swing and the weather isn't helping.

The humidity promotes mold spores. Pollen is on the rise thanks to the recent dry weather following periods of heavy rain. And the dreaded ragweed is on the march.

Here are some facts and tips to keep in mind as allergy suffers await relief that may not come until the fall's first frost:

You are not alone: More than 50 million people suffer from seasonal allergies.

It is getting better: The Chicago area was listed as the 86th worst locale this year for allergies on a ranking of 100 spots by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. It was ranked 79th in 2007. The worst city is Greensboro, N.C.

Evil ragweed: This plant is the No. 1 cause of seasonal allergies and accounts for up to 90 percent of airborne pollen in some areas.

Stop the sneezing: Try to manage the air you breathe. This means,

• Close the windows, use air conditioning.

• Minimize early morning activity when pollen counts are highest.

• Stay in on windy days.

• Make sure your home air filter is clean.

• Vacuum your home and car and wash linens regularly.

Look forward to the bad days: Pollen and mold are the least prevalent on rainy, cloudy or windless days.

Are there home remedies? Some helpful practices include using a neti pot to rinse sinuses or using saline nasal spray to keep the nose clean.

What is the best medication? Talk to an allergist. Over-the-counter medication can help, but prescriptions may offer a better remedy with fewer side effects. Medications include nasal sprays, decongestants, antihistamine pills and even injections. Allergists warn improper treatment can lead to chronic sinus infections.

Watch the kids: It is important to identify allergies early in children to prevent more chronic symptoms down the road. Look for snoring, sleep apnea, itchy eyes and headaches. Children who are allergic to ragweed can develop asthma during peak pollen season even if they had no asthma history.

Floods feed allergies: Indoor flood waters promote mold growth, which can lead to allergic reactions. Use diluted bleach to kill mold and detergent to wash it away, and dry out your house thoroughly with heaters, dehumidifiers and fans.

Asthma attacks: Allergies and colds are common triggers for asthma attacks. Check the National Institutes of Health at nih.gov/news/pr/aug2007/nhbli-29.htm for prevention tips.

What does "gesundheit" mean anyway? It comes from Germany and generally means "health." The word has been used to wish "good health" after a sneeze since at least the early 1900s.

Sources: American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology, Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, Dr. Joseph Leija of Melrose Park, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Dr. Dennis Kellar of Lake Zurich