New grass pollen allergy treatment at BMC

For most, spring is the season of rebirth and renewal – a time to venture outdoors and experience our celebrated Central Oregon playground. But for the millions of Americans who suffer from grass pollen allergies, it can be the season of suffering and constant symptom management.

Thanks to a new treatment available at Bend Memorial Clinic, Central Oregonians with grass allergies can enjoy the outdoors this spring and summer without being hobbled by sneezing, runny nose, congestion and itchy, watery eyes.

Recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration, in part due to clinical trials conducted at BMC three years ago, the treatment is an immune therapy drug that provides relief from symptoms of grass-related allergies.

The pill contains a small dose of the grass allergen to gradually help build tolerance and lessen sensitivity to grass pollen over a period of weeks. The drug, a small tablet that dissolves under the tongue, is taken daily before and during grass pollen season, and is approved for allergy sufferers ages 5 to 65.

“Grass pollen is one of the most common allergens to provoke allergic symptoms, and this medication offers a new approach for patients who have tried other treatments or have declined allergy shots,” said Dr. Adam Williams, BMC’s asthma, allergy and immunology expert. “In clinical trials, patients treated with the drug exhibited significant reductions in nasal and ocular symptoms, as well as a reduction in the use of symptom-relieving allergy medication.”

This new treatment does not provide immediate symptom relief. Rather, it aids the body in forming its own defenses against the symptoms of grass allergies, which is why BMC is encouraging those who want to be symptom-free this spring and summer to begin the process now.

The treatment is only useful for grass pollen allergies, which are present in Central Oregon in late May, June, and July.

This treatment will not help allergies to juniper, other trees, or animal dander. Allergy sufferers who are interested should call 541-706-2524 to schedule an appointment with BMC’s Allergy, Asthma and Immunology department.

According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, 16.9 million adults and 6.7 million children have been diagnosed with allergic rhinitis, also known as hay fever, in the past year.

In fact, allergic rhinitis is estimated to affect approximately 50 million people in the United States, as many as 30 percent of adults and up to 40 percent of children.

Commonly caused by allergic sensitivity to pollens from trees, grasses, weeds, and airbornemold spores, allergic rhinitis just last year resulted in more than 13.4 million visits to physician offices, hospital outpatient departments, and emergency departments.