The 411 on Seasonal Allergies
What you need to know about allergies.
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The 411 on Seasonal Allergies - The spring and summer months can be extremely brutal for the 40 million of us who suffer from seasonal allergies. But you don’t have to suffer in silence. Read more about seasonal allergies and ways to reduce their symptoms. —Kellee Terrell (Photo: Geri Lavrov / Getty Images)
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What Are Seasonal Allergies? - Seasonal allergies, also called hay fever, are allergic reactions to mold and pollen that floats in the air. As you breathe them in, your immune system thinks they are attacking your body and releases antibodies. These antibodies cause your cells to release chemicals. (Photo: Chris Hondros/Getty Images)
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Common Symptoms - Seasonal allergies can trigger a range of symptoms. The most common include sneezing, runny nose, watering eyes, nasal congestion, coughing and wheezing. Also, being tired and irritable, sinus pain, skin rashes, itchy eyes and throat are also associates with allergies. In some people the symptoms are mild and in others they are extremely severe, making people miss work or school. (Photo: Sean Justice/Getty Images)
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African-Americans and Allergies - Race does matter, especially when it comes to higher asthma rates and allergies. Past studies have found that Black children with asthma are three times more likely to suffer from seasonal allergies than their white counterparts. Also, poverty plays a role in our seasonal and all-year-round allergies: Living in areas with lower air quality, low quality housing with bugs like cockroaches, and having less access to treatment. (Photo: David McNew/Getty Images)
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Risk Factors - Certain factors that can put you more at risk for seasonal allergies include being male, having a family history of allergies, having certain food allergies, asthma and being exposed to second-hand smoke, says the University of Maryland Medical Center. (Photo: Michael Krasowitz/Getty Images)
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Reducing Triggers - Just because there’s no real cure for seasonal allergies, there are things you can do to reduce you triggers. Web MD suggests staying indoors when it’s really dry or windy out and watching the news to learn when pollen counts are high so you can take meds before heading out. Also keep your windows closed, invest in a humidifier for your home, and shower when you come home to rinse the pollen off your body. (Photo: Steve Mason/Getty Images)
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Common Treatment - For those of us with minor symptoms, grinning and bearing it may work. Over-the-counter antihistamines such as Zyrtec and Benadryl and some decongestants do the trick for those with mild symptoms. For those with more serious symptoms, doctors may prescribe steroids, inhalers, acupuncture and allergy shots. Learn more about a range of allergy treatments here. (Photo: Mario Tama/Getty Images)