Spring will be here before we know it. Do you suffer from hay fever, nasal congestion, and ear infections in the spring? Do you ever get seasonal rashes or have trouble breathing? Do you feel like you're missing more days of work than normal? Allergies could be to blame. Most seasonal allergies are caused by pollen from trees, grasses, weeds or mold spores. Allergic disorders rank first among chronic diseases which is not surprising since an estimated 15-20% of the American population has some type of allergy – usually first appearing during infancy or childhood. Yet, if allergic problems are identified early, your quality of life can improve, allowing you to get back to enjoying life again.

Which people are most likely to suffer from allergies? It is possible for anyone to become allergic, but it is considerably more likely for those who have family members with a history of allergy. Yet while you may inherit the tendency to become allergic from your parents, only some of you will develop active allergic disease.

Allergies can show up in different ways. Some get nasal symptoms, some develop asthma, and some may get skin rashes. Therefore, it is important that you know what signs to be aware of. The most common symptoms of allergies are: Itchy and watery eyes, Sneezing, Runny nose, Nasal congestion, Postnasal drip, Cough, Headache and/or Sore throat, itching throat or ears.

We all know that many of those symptoms can also be indicative of the common cold. So how can you tell the difference? There are several signs that differentiate allergies from a cold. The first are symptoms that last for more than 7 – 10 days. Colds rarely last more than a week. You could also look for nose rubbing. Those with nasal allergies often rub their noses in an upward motion, which is called an allergic salute. Mouth breathing can be a sign of allergies. Congestion that comes from nasal allergies can cause you to breathe through the mouth, especially while sleeping.

If you play with pets, take note if nasal symptoms seem to flare up around your pet. If so, it could be a sign of allergic sensitivity. Those with allergies also usually tend to have symptoms that seem to worsen while outdoors due to pollen and other outdoor mold spores. Some signs of a cold that are NOT associated with nasal allergies include fever and body aches.

Once you have been diagnosed with allergies, reducing your contact with certain triggers will help to make your environment healthier. By making the following changes in and around your home, you can find relief from nasal allergy symptoms:

Avoiding pollen- Keep the windows closed and run the air conditioner during allergy season; stay indoors when pollen counts are high and use a high quality allergen air filter for the air conditioning system.

Avoiding dust mites- Consider wood or tile floors rather than carpeting; clean and dust your home regularly and use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter; wash bedding frequently in hot water; use zippered, allergy-proof covers on you or your child's box spring, mattress, and pillows and keep stuffed toys stored in a closed toy box when not in use.

Avoiding animal dander- Keep the pet out of your bedroom and outdoors if at all possible; bathe your pet regularly and keep pets off of your furniture and out of your car.

Avoiding mold spores- Run your air conditioner or dehumidifier during high-humidity seasons; keep potted plants out of your bedroom and make sure wet carpets are dried within 24 hours to prevent mold growth.

Treatment for seasonal allergies will vary based on allergens, severity of symptoms and patient preference. Anyone with allergies will benefit from using saline nasal rinses. This will remove the allergens from the nasal passages. Antihistamines, steroid nasal sprays and decongestants may also be prescribed by a medical provider to prevent allergic symptoms. Allergy shots/drops are available for certain allergens. These may take several months to be effective.

If nasal allergies aren't treated properly, they can make you miserable so it is essential to pay attention to symptoms. If you notice any of these signs and suspect that you may be suffering from allergies, you should contact your doctor right away.

For more information, contact John Frasure, PA-C at Scott & White Clinic – Johnson City at 830-201-7100.