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Get Informed About Identifying Allergic Rhinitis
Outdoor allergens tend to appear in the environment seasonally, with the timing and duration of these allergens depending on multiple factors, including geographic area and temperature. In our area, tree pollen typically begins to be detected in March and April. Grass pollen season runs from May to June. Later in the summer months, weed pollen begins to fluctuate with ragweed appearing in mid-August and in some cases persisting through the fall. Mold pollens can be problematic throughout all of the seasons, with some species releasing their spores in response to temperature fluctuations. Allergy and immunology specialist, Dr. David Swender, D.O., from Oaklawn Medical Group highlights some useful tips and facts below about dealing with allergic rhinitis.
According to the CDC, 17.6 million adults have been diagnosed with allergic rhinitis in the last year. Overall, estimates place the prevalence of allergic rhinitis at 50 million people in the US. That’s a lot of people who are uncomfortable just because of seasonal allergies!
Common allergy symptoms include:
- Runny nose
- Sneezing
- Itchy nose
- Itchy/red/watery eyes
- Post-nasal drainage
- Itchy throat
- Cough
- Sinus congestion
Although allergy symptoms can seem rather benign, they take a big toll on healthcare and workplace productivity. In 2005, medical costs to treat allergic rhinitis were estimated at $11.2 billion.* Indirect costs of allergic rhinitis include: lost time at work and school, decreased productivity at work, and difficulty with attention to tasks.
If you think you may have allergies, you don’t have to suffer. There are a variety of treatment options available to help alleviate your symptoms. Give us a call at (269) 789-4380 to make an appointment. We look forward to helping you feel better year-round.
*[Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services as reviewed in Blaiss, 2010]
