FAQ: Allergy Season

Spring and summer are here. We tend to be outside more, enjoying the sun and nature around us. If you’re someone with allergies, you might have reservations about this season. Let’s tell you that yYou are not going through allergy season alone. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, approximately 81 million people have allergies as of 2021.  

Someone with allergies has an overactive immune system; the body is reacting to something that is harmless. The most common things people have allergies to include grass, pollen, dust, fur, and certain foods. Environmental, also known as seasonal allergies, is the most common. Here are some of the symptoms you’re probably experiencing:  

Not treating your allergies can lead to other severe symptoms such as congestion, sore throats, and headaches. We know you have questions about your allergies, so we are going to do our best to answer those for you. If you don’t see your question here, leave a comment in the blog’s comment section or on our social media. We will get one of our providers to answer it as soon as possible.   

Your FAQ on Allergy Season Answered

Can allergies be cured or go away?
There is no "cure" to allergies, but there are various ways to treat the symptoms. Because your body has developed a certain way of reacting to these triggers, that is just how it will be until science makes advancements. What you can do is learn what helps to manage your symptoms.
If I move, will my allergies go away?
Even though they are called environmental allergies, moving to another city or state will unfortunately not make your allergies disappear.
Is looking at the pollen count a good idea?
By reviewing a weather app daily, you'll notice the pollen count in the area. This measures the amount of pollen in the air and is a great way to warn those with allergies that they might have an allergy flare. So, it is a great idea to check the pollen count. If the count is high, you should consider wearing a mask, bringing some tissues and hand sanitizer, having some medication ready, or staying indoors if you can.
Does having allergies mean I also have asthma?
While allergies can trigger asthma, just because you have allergies doesn’t mean you have it. Asthma is a disease that affects the lungs and causes trouble breathing. If you think you have asthma or are experiencing symptoms like wheezing, breathlessness, tight chest, or night and early morning coughing, you should speak to your doctor.
How do I know what is triggering my allergies?
The best way to understand what triggers your allergies is to pay attention to where you are when your symptoms start. If you're outside around trees and grass, you can assume that this is the cause of pollen. Another example is if you're indoors in a dusty area, you can believe that dust is one of the allergens responsible for your allergy.
Are allergies genetic?
This is a yes and no answer. Many people have hereditary allergies, and many don't. However, not everyone in the same family will have the same allergies. So, it depends.
What should I treat my allergies with?
The best thing to treat your seasonal allergies with is an oral antihistamine. These help to relieve the symptoms you have. There are various over-the-counter ones that you can get at your local pharmacy. You can also try nasal sprays and oral decongestants. Try a few and stick to what works for you.

Take Care of Yourself This Allergy Season

This allergy season, do your best to take care of yourself. Know your allergy triggers and do your best to avoid them, or know what you can use to treat your symptoms. If your allergies are a little more than usual, there may be more pollen in the air, or something else might be happening. If you have any other questions, feel free to ask in the comments or schedule an appointment with your medical provider. 

Resources
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Tolulope Ayoola

Tolulope Ayoola is the creative marketing content writer at MyCHN. She graduated from the University of Houston-Downtown with a degree in Technical Communications. Her goal and mission is to make healthcare patient content more relatable and interesting to interact with. She combines her creative eye with her technical communication skills to create content for patients. Tolu's past work includes creating blogs, press releases, and social media content for different sectors. She enjoys spending time with her family, writing, and listening to music & podcasts.

* This blog provides general information and discussions about health-related topics. If you or any other person has a medical concern, you should consult your healthcare provider and seek professional medical treatment. Some of the information and content in this blog has linked materials. The links should and are not intended to be construed as medical advice and should not be supplemented as medical advice. If you think you may have a medical emergency, locate emergency services or dial 911.

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