Seasonal allergies are no joke. As the weather gets warmer and spring starts to bloom, 50 million Americans are affected by seasonal allergies.
Sometimes it seems like most of them are in Oklahoma, where we tend to have one of the toughest allergy seasons in the U.S. And if you’re one of those millions, you may think you have no choice but to grin and bear it. But at INTEGRIS, we think there’s a better way.
Seasonal allergies (also called allergic rhinitis or hay fever) are your immune system’s heightened response to allergens, like plant pollens or pet dander. If you think you’re suffering from seasonal allergies, take a moment to see what you’re up against, and know that help is definitely available.
Symptoms of seasonal allergies tend to manifest after a significant seasonal change, along with an increased pollen count. If you see a trend in developing a “cold” after the weather changes every year, you may have seasonal allergies. Symptoms of untreated seasonal allergies could last several weeks.
Symptoms (Most Common to Least Common):
Source: Mayo Clinic
Cold symptoms appear gradually. The common cold is caused by viruses, not allergens. This spreads from those infected with the virus to others through the air and close personal contact. With treatment, an average cold can last from three to ten days.
Symptoms (Most Common to Least Common):
Source: CDC, Mayo Clinic
Reducing exposure to common allergens is one of your best bets to staying ahead of your allergies. But just staying indoors can be challenging as the weather becomes more pleasant or you have yard work to do.
Here are more ways to keep your allergies in check:
Finally, if your seasonal allergies are taking over your life, consider consulting a doctor at INTEGRIS Health to see additional options treatment or do a round of allergen immunotherapy.
