People who have seasonal allergies may start experiencing symptoms in late August, which often last through October. | PxHere.com
People who have seasonal allergies may start experiencing symptoms in late August, which often last through October. | PxHere.com
• More than 23 million people in the U.S. suffer from allergic rhinitis, also known as hay fever.
• Ragweed allergy is a common cause of hay fever.
• Fortunately, there are several treatment options available for allergy sufferers.
Dr. John Ditto of Richmond Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers is stressing the importance of treating allergies before they lead to additional sinus issues.
More than 23 million people in the U.S. suffer from allergic rhinitis, or hay fever, which is most commonly caused by an allergy to ragweed, according to the Allergy & Asthma Network.
“The sinuses are lined by the nasal and sinus epithelium, or lining, and that lining is reactive to allergens,” Ditto told the Richmond Leader. “Those allergens cause histamine release and other inflammatory mediators that cause swelling, and they obstruct the tiny sinus openings in which our sinuses normally drain. By treating the allergy, you decrease the inflammation, you can maintain sinus openings so that they drain effectively and reduce recurrent and chronic sinusitis.”
The Allergy & Asthma Network reports ragweed allergy sufferers will feel the peak effects of their symptoms in mid-September, and those symptoms can last until November. Ragweed plants grow in abundance across the country, and their pollen can be found in every state. People who are allergic to ragweed and also have asthma could experience a flareup in asthma symptoms and need to be hospitalized if they inhale the plant's pollen.
To minimize allergy symptoms, allergy sufferers can take the following steps: Premedicate with a nasal spray or antihistamine, change clothing and take a shower after coming inside, wear a mask outdoors, keep windows and doors closed, and monitor ragweed pollen counts. People who are allergic to ragweed should also avoid certain foods that are botanically related to ragweed, including bananas, mangoes, cucumbers, cantaloupes, watermelons and zucchini.
Doctors often review the patient's symptoms and medical history to diagnose allergies, and then they may recommend either a blood test or a skin test, according to WebMD. For a skin test, the doctor places a small amount of the allergen on the patient's skin, typically on the forearm or back. If the patient is allergic to that particular allergen, a small, itchy bump will appear.
Depending on the type and severity of a patient’s allergies, Mayo Clinic says that various treatment options could be recommended, including over-the-counter medications, nasal sprays, allergy shots, immunotherapy or carrying an emergency epinephrine shot, such as an EpiPen, for severe allergies.
If you’re interested in learning more about diagnosing and treating allergies, please take this Sinus Self-Assessment Quiz.
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