Allergies 101

Is it a cold? Or are my allergies acting up? My sinuses are killing me!! I’m all stuffed up!

I’ve never had allergies before? This is the worst year for my allergies!

These are some of the most common questions and statements I hear during this time of year. I am fortunate to live in a part of the country where we experience the 4 seasons of nature. It is now springtime and with spring comes some of the worst seasonal allergies. The main culprit this time of year is Pollen. Pollen is a yellow powdery substance released by plants which can cause an allergic reaction to those susceptible to it.

In springtime, the trees become active and produce most of the pollen that trigger allergic reactions. People who suffer from seasonal allergies suffer from our bodies releasing histamines and other chemicals to fight off the allergens. It’s these chemicals that produce our allergy symptoms. Sometimes also called Hay Fever, due to coinciding with hay-cutting season, summer month allergy sufferers typically react to grass allergens.

Regardless of the allergen, pollen or grass, the symptoms of seasonal allergies present in a similar fashion. The most common symptoms include sneezing, runny and/or stuffy nose, watery and itchy eyes, itchy sinuses, throat or ear canals, ear congestion and postnasal drainage. Less frequent symptoms include headache, shortness of breath, wheezing, and cough.

This month we’ll discuss the answers to these questions. Talk about some of the medical and alternative treatments for allergies and hopefully spark some conversations that can help allergy sufferers.

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