5 Things You Might Not Know About Seasonal Allergies

In the United States, millions of people suffer from seasonal allergies. Weed pollen, grass pollen, ragweed pollen, and mold spores are common allergens that trigger seasonal allergies. Pollen levels are the highest in the spring and fall causing you to have a runny nose, watery eyes, and uncontrollable fits of sneezing and coughing.

What Are Seasonal Allergies?

Seasonal allergies are at their worst when pollen levels and dust are the highest. During the spring, plants begin the yearly process of growing and reproducing. This involves the release of pollen. Trees, grasses, and pollen produce plant all year during their active cycles. Not everyone is allergic to pollen. Some people may be allergic to pet dander or mold spores. Being allergic to one allergen can actually trigger an allergic response to other allergens.

Common Myths About Allergies

There are many myths associated with seasonal allergies. A few of the most common include:

• Allergies don’t develop after you’ve reached adulthood. This is untrue. Allergies don’t always start in childhood.
• Moving to Arizona (or any drier climate) will cure your allergies. Not true. You will experience an allergic reaction anywhere pollen can be found.
• Allergies and asthma are unrelated. The fact is, severe allergies can trigger an allergy asthma attack.
• You should only take allergy medicine after symptoms appear. Not true. Taking an allergy medication prior to your symptoms appearing will reduce the severity of the attack.
• Allergy shots are the only long-term solution. Sublingual tablets and allergy serums are now offered as part of a long-term treatment plan for treating seasonal allergies such as hay fever and other allergens.

Allergies can be more severe at certain times of the year no matter where you live. When allergies become a problem, it’s important that skin tests or other diagnostic procedures be used to determine what your particular allergens are.

Treating Allergies Successfully

Seasonal allergies can be successfully treated through the use of immunotherapy and preventive measures. Using HEPA filters in your HVAC system and in air filters throughout your home will reduce the number of airborne contaminants you are exposed with throughout the year. Using an air conditioner can also help, especially during the hottest months of the summer.

With the use of over the counter medications and the various treatment options offered by your doctor, you can alleviate your symptoms and live as close to a normal life as possible. The immunotherapy treatment options that were originally in the form of allergy shots, can now be received in sublingual tablets and serums in more precise dosages.

If you begin to experience allergy symptoms and are unsure of what is going on, schedule an appointment with Backfit Health + Spine. Our allergy testing will give you the answers you need and indicate what your allergens are allowing the doctor to create an effective treatment plan.