Seasonal Allergies
Do You Have Seasonal Allergies?
Have you noticed increased sneezing, coughing, itching, or watering eyes during certain times of the year? You may suffer from seasonal allergies! Seasonal allergies progress when your body’s immune system overreacts to things in the environment, usually during spring, summer, or fall when certain plants pollinate.
We know these symptoms can affect your quality of life. Our board-certified allergist can pinpoint the allergens causing your symptoms and offer treatment options that not only manage symptoms, but potentially STOP them all together!
In our area of the country, spring allergies can begin as early as January and last until the early summer. Tree pollination begins first which is followed by grass pollination later in the spring and summer. Ragweed is highest in the late summer and fall. Additionally, mild winter temperatures can cause plants to pollinate earlier than normal. In Arkansas, we have very rainy springs that cause rapid plant growth which lead to an increase in mold, causing symptoms to last well into the fall.
Allergy testing is an important tool that helps pinpoint what is causing your symptoms. Once you are armed with that information, you can avoid the triggers.
The best way to avoid triggers include doing the following during peak allergy seasons:
- Monitoring pollen and mold counts.
- Leaving windows and doors shut at home and in your car.
- Taking a shower and changing clothes after working or playing outside.
- Avoiding extended periods of time outside if pollen counts are high.
- Wearing a filter mask while mowing the lawn or performing other outdoor chores.
One of the most effective ways to treat seasonal allergies is with immunotherapy, or allergy shots. These shots expose your body to increasing doses of your known allergens, so your body gets used to them and does not react with the same symptoms as before. Allergy shots can cure your nasal allergies.
PLAN A VISIT
We’d love to meet with you to address your allergy concerns.