As spring approaches, around 40 million Americans sniffle or sneeze. The cold weather is exchanged for pollen from grasses, trees, and weeds.
Spring nasal allergies or hay fever can lead to a runny, stuffy, itchy, and watery nose. Asthma attacks can be triggered by allergies.
“If your symptoms interfere with your life, it’s important to see an allergist,”Richard Gower, M.D., President of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. “Allergies are serious diseases, but with tests we can uncover the source of your suffering and develop a plan to treat it.”
Keep pollen away by staying indoors with windows closed and wearing a mask outside. You can also wash your hair to remove pollen from your hair. These methods may hinder your spring plans. You should also make sure you understand what triggers your allergies. Many allergens are present all year, and can spread indoors such as pet dander, dust, and mold.
The ACAAI has teamed up with allergists from across the country to help you prevent allergies. Recent studies show that they are doing exactly that. A recent survey of asthma and allergy sufferers revealed that those who went to see an allergist, a doctor who is trained in diagnosing and treating allergies and asthma, were almost three times more likely than those who received over-the-counter medication.
The treatment often involves medications and allergy shots that gradually increase your tolerance for the substances you are allergic to.
Contrary to other medications that cease working after you stop taking them allergy shots work. “immunotherapy,”They are the only treatment that can provide long-term relief. Allegy shots are particularly effective for reducing allergic symptoms due to pollen, animals, pets, stinging insects, and grass.
If you have allergies or asthma, visit AllergyAndAsthmaRelief.org to take a self-test and see how you can find relief. This site includes patient stories and a newsletter as well as an allergist locator.
