Seasonal
allergic rhinitis is also known as Pollen Allergy or Hay Fever. The National
Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases estimates that about 26 million
Americans suffer through chronic seasonal allergies; the annual cost of which is
$2.4 million,
according to the National Center for Health Statistics. Individuals who have seasonal allergies typically exhibit these symptoms to a particular allergen:
according to the National Center for Health Statistics. Individuals who have seasonal allergies typically exhibit these symptoms to a particular allergen:
·
Runny nose
·
Sneezing
·
Itchy eyes
·
Congestion of the nose
·
Red and watery eyes
These
symptoms are mostly brought on by an allergic reaction to pollen, this is
heightened during certain seasons. An allergy is a specific reaction from your
body’s immune system to a normally harmless substance.
What is Pollen?
Pollen
is produced by various plants in order to fertilize other plants. Although these
pollen grains are normally too small to see with the naked eye, they can form
into larger visible clusters. A common misconception is that people with
seasonal allergies are allergic to flowers but this is not true for most. Plants
that don’t have showy flowers such as trees, weeds, and grasses are the most
common inducers of allergic reactions. Other airborne allergens include, house
dust mites, pet dander, and cockroaches. These pollen's will drift with the wind for many
miles, so even if weeds and offending plants are removed from certain areas, there
is still a chance for them to grow back.
Weeds that produce the largest amounts of Allergenic Pollen:
- Ragweed
- Sagebrush
- Red root
- Lamb’s quarters
- Russian thistle (tumbleweed)
- English Plantain
Trees that produce pollen:
- Oak
- Ash
- Elm
- Hickory
- Pecan
- Box Elder
- Mountain Cedar
Diagnosis
& Treatment
If you believe
you have seasonal allergies there are many things you can do to relieve your
symptoms.
First, make
a visit to your health care provider and describe your symptoms. An allergy
test may be helpful. Allergy tests help to distinguish what kind of pollen's your body has made allergens to. This test can be done in one of two ways, a
blood test or a skin prick test.
Second, get
treatment. Your healthcare provider will tell you what the best route will be
for you to get treated. Some common medicines used are antihistamines, topical
nasal steroids, cromolyn sodium, decongestants, or allergy shots. For mild
symptoms the most recommended treatments are over the counter medications which
are usually antihistamines.
Remember
that contact with pollen's can be nearly unavoidable but symptoms can be aided
by medicines. Speak to your health care provider to see what is recommended for
you.
Sources:
No comments:
Post a Comment