PITTSBURGH (PTTP) – Seasonal allergies are a condition that affects many people in America. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, approximately 81 million Americas have been diagnosed with seasonal allergies, which is over 25% of the adult population. There are various causes to seasonal allegories as well as many ways to defend yourself from the mostly harmless disease.
The symptoms of seasonal allergies vary from person to person. Many people are affected by runny and congested nose and irritated and itchy eyes. Some have it worse and have symptoms including rashes and hives. These conditions vary from person and depend on the region the person is living in.
There are many causes to seasonal allergies in the spring. The biggest cause of spring allegories is from pollen, both tree and grass. Wind causes pollen to be picked up from plants and becoming airborne and eventually makes it to our bodies which causes an allergic reaction. Rain washes away pollen, but pollen counts can spike after rainfall. In the fall, the largest cause of allergies is mold.
You can take measures to try to defend yourself against seasonal allergies. The easiest way to do this is to stay inside on dry, windy days. This creates a barrier between you and the airborne pollen. Staying inside as well as using an air purifier keeps you in clean air and away from protentional allergens.
If you are affected by seasonal allegories, there are many over the counter remedies that you can use to combat your symptoms. This include, but are not limited to, nasal sprays, antihistamines, and decongestants.
Credit: www.nccih.nih.gov