Seasonal Health Tips

Allergy Season Returns

We have two prominent allergy seasons in Durango: springtime and late summer. During the spring, tree pollens are the cause. Juniper pollen is the most allergenic followed by pinion pine and then cottonwood. In the late summer the shrubs begin to flower and send their pollens off. Golden weed, rabbit bush, purple sage and other bushes are the culprits and they have been especially vigorous with all the rain we have been having. Sometimes allergies affecting our nasal passages can plug up our ears and sinuses. Decongestants will help to open up our middle ears and sinuses. Sometimes a long-acting combination of an antihistamine-decongestant taken daily will provide just enough relief to get us through our allergy season. Sometimes a runny nose and sneezing are the worst features. A nasal steroid spray works very well and will protect the sinuses. That spray requires a prescription. Some of us will unfortunately progress to a sinus infection and then a prescription is necessary for antibiotics. Durango Urgent Care can help you with your allergy needs.

Summer Infections

We are often asked about "local infections'. The most common local infection is one seen throughtout the intermountain west and is caused by a parasite in the water of the backcountry. You should never assume the crystal clear, cold water of our mountains are free of disease carrying organisms. Giardia Lamblia is carried by a variety of wild animals and is in the water everywhere. Be sure to sterilize backcountry water through 20 minutes of boiling, use of filters or chemical treatments before drinking it. The local hiking shops all carry water treatment systems. The primary symptoms one gets if you do get infected include abdominal cramps, diarrhea, bloating, and massive odorous gas passing, making you popular with family and friends. These often occur several days after the exposure and can last indefinately (YOU can become the carrier). This organism can be treated effectively with the correct medicines. If you have the above symptoms, we will be glad to see and evaluate you at DUC and help you regain a social life.

Lightning Strikes

Another lesser known but real hazard of being in the backcountry in this area is lightning strikes. Colorado is second only to Florida (where they have a lot more golfers) in numbers of people being hit by lightning. These can occur anywhere, but are most likely in the summer thunderstorms in the mountains. Preventative practices during the thunderstorms include avoiding isolated tall trees, camping below timberline and being off the peaks and over any passes by late morning. If someone in your party is hit or stunned, start CPR if appropriate as often the heart is only momentarily stunned and the person can be saved. Also realize that near-miss victims often are partially paralyzed for awhile and may need to be carefully manually moved (their bones and spine can also be broken by the strike). They will be disoriented for awhile and must be kept warm to avoid hypothermia. Activate EMS and get any victime to the nearest trauma center ASAP.