• 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 Stewart of Arizona Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers is stressing the importance of treating allergies in a timely manner before they evolve into something more serious.
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.
“Allergies can present themselves in various forms, such as runny or blocked nose, itchy eyes, watery eyes, sneezing, etc,” Stewart told Arizona Business Daily. “If allergies are not addressed and managed appropriately, this may lead to sinus disease or may be amplifying the sinus disease already present.”
The Allergy & Asthma Network reports that 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. Asthma-related hospitalizations spike in mid-September, thanks to ragweed pollen.
To minimize 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 a 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 will place 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, 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 treating allergies, please take this Sinus Self-Assessment Quiz.