ATLANTA, Feb. 11, 2003 (PRIMEZONE) -- When groundhog Punxsutawney Phil popped his head out of his Pennsylvania burrow on Feb 2, he saw his shadow foretelling six more weeks of winter, while General Beauregard Lee, the South's most famous prognosticating groundhog, didn't see his shadow indicating an early spring.
No matter which furry forecaster you believe, one thing is for certain: the woodchucks' appearances -- right or wrong -- should be a signal for Americans to be on the alert for allergy symptoms.
Whether spring is six weeks away or right around the corner, people should prepare for one of the worst allergy times of the year, according to Dr. Yvonne M. Johnson, director of Regulatory and Medical Affairs at Novartis Ophthalmics.
"An estimated 40 million Americans suffer from eye allergies, the most common of which are seasonal and perennial allergic conjunctivitis," says Johnson. "Hay fever is the most common seasonal conjunctivitis."
Johnson explained that even though spring is an acute allergy season because of the high pollen concentration, some typical allergy symptoms, such as red, itching eyes for example, may have other causes.
"Living with eye allergies is easier when you know the cause and can limit your exposure," says Dr Johnson. "An allergy is an exaggerated immune response to a relatively harmless foreign substance such as pollen or dust mites, which are called allergens. When an allergen comes in contact with a sensitized eye, a cascade of physical, chemical and cellular reactions starts. Obviously sufferers should check with their doctor if they suspect they have a problem."
An allergy quiz can help sufferers determine if allergies are the culprit behind the discomfort of red, itching eyes.
The quiz, located at www.zaditor.com, asks questions such as:
- Do your symptoms occur only during certain times of the year?
- Do you know what causes your eye allergy?
- Do you use an oral antihistamine medication for your allergy
symptoms?
- Do other members of your immediate family have allergies?
According to Dr. Johnson, lubricating eye drops such as the GenTeal(r) family of artificial tear products can be used to wash out allergens and sooth eye irritation in mild cases of allergic reaction.
But most allergy sufferers need a prescription eye drop that provides fast, long-lasting relief. Multiple-action Zaditor(tm) (ketotifen fumarate ophthalmic solution, 0.025%) is especially effective because of its multiple action in stabilizing the cells that release histamines and blocking the action of histamines. In addition the drops are applied directly to the affected area, bringing relief in minutes compared to antihistamine tablets, which may take longer to work.
Background on Novartis Ophthalmics
With worldwide headquarters in Bulach, Switzerland, Novartis Ophthalmics is a global leader in research, development and manufacturing of leading ophthalmic pharmaceuticals that assist in the treatment of glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, eye inflammation, ocular allergies, and other diseases and disorders of the eye. Novartis Ophthalmics products are available in more than 110 countries. The North American headquarters is based in Atlanta, Ga. Novartis Ophthalmics has production sites in Switzerland, France and Canada. For more information, please go to the web site www.novartisophthalmics.com/us.
Background on Novartis AG
Novartis AG (NYSE:NVS) is a world leader in pharmaceuticals and consumer health. In 2002, the Group's businesses achieved sales of CHF 32.4 billion (USD 20.9 billion) and a net income of CHF 7.3 billion (USD 4.7 billion). The Group invested approximately CHF 4.3 billion (USD 2.8 billion) in R&D. Headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, Novartis Group companies employ about 72,900 people and operate in over 140 countries around the world. For further information please consult http://www.novartis.com