Seasonal Allergies?

Do You Have Seasonal Allergy Symptoms?

Nearly 36 million Americans battle seasonal allergy symptoms every year, according to the Food and Drug Administration.   So chances are you do! Weeks of watery and itchy eyes, a runny nose, and nasal congestion are the miserable allergy symptoms.  With seasonal allergies (also known as hay fever or allergic rhinitis), the body mistakenly accepts the allergen, such as pollen as bacteria, and your immune system jumps on into the act releasing a chemical called histamine.  It's the histamine that causes your symptoms and is why over the counter medications for seasonal allergy symptoms are called antihistamines.   

In the summer roughly 90% of hay fever sufferers are affected by grass pollens.  “People generally have tried the over the counter antihistamines before they come in to see me. Some may be on their way to a sinus infection by the time they seek medical advice” says Dr. John, “but the good news is that with the right course of treatment they feel better quickly.”

How do you know if you have a seasonal allergies or a cold? Check out your symptoms here.