THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT SEASONAL ALLERGIES
Those who suffer from seasonal allergies know they can wreak havoc on life for a few months each year. Allergies can make everyday activities difficult, and no matter how many trips you make to your local walk-in care clinic in Gainesville, GA, you still may have a hard time finding sustained relief. When seasonal allergies strike, you can lose sleep, suffer reduced productivity at your job, and become grouchy and short with your friends and loved ones.
Though many people suffer from the effects of seasonal allergies, few actually know much about what causes their suffering. Though the specific catalysts for seasonal allergies may be different from one person to another, the effects are typically manifested in rhinitis that can persist into sinus infections or respiratory conditions that can make matters even worse for those who experience them. While the average walk-in clinic can help provide you with a little relief from the symptoms of seasonal allergies, finding the root cause may require a deeper inquiry with an allergy specialist. To learn more about seasonal allergies, keep reading below.
Allergies Aren’t Necessarily Lifelong
Some people make the mistake of believing that they aren’t suffering from seasonal allergies simply because they’ve never suffered from allergies before. However, seasonal allergies aren’t always a lifelong condition. Some people experience allergies during childhood then stop having symptoms somewhere along the path to adulthood. Other adults may develop seasonal allergy rhinitis only in adulthood. There’s no known trigger that causes seasonal allergies to begin or end, but there can be great variability in the way the allergy manifests itself.
Location, Location, Location
Those who suffer from seasonal allergies can have symptoms change, vary in timeframe, or go away altogether when changing locations. Also, those who’ve never had seasonal allergies before may suddenly experience their onset immediately following a move. The reason is simple. Seasonal allergies can be driven by the presence of certain types of pollen or mold spores in the air. The presence of those allergens differs from location to location because of the diversity of predominant plant life. Therefore, if the plant that once triggered your allergies doesn’t exist in your new location, you may see your allergies disappear altogether. That said, don’t pack your bags and expect your allergies to be cured with a move. Though moving may change the way your allergies effect you, there’s no way to know that for certain.
Distinguishing Allergies from Colds
Seasonal allergies, because of their sudden onset, can sometimes be mistaken for colds and treated as such. However, common cold treatments don’t provide relief from seasonal allergies. Colds are caused by viruses that are picked up from your environment and contact with others. Seasonal allergies are an immune system response to the presence of allergens or irritants. While antihistamines can help with seasonal allergies, colds require a different course of treatment. Colds are relatively short-lived and rarely last more than two weeks, while allergies can persist for months as long as the allergen remains in your environment. Symptoms of colds include fever, body aches, coughing, wheezing, congestion and sneezing. Seasonal allergies also produce congestion and runny nose, in addition to itchy, watery eyes. If you have a fever or body aches, you probably have a cold. If you have itchy eyes, you’re likely suffering from allergies.
Seasonal allergies can make everyday life difficult when they strike, but over-the-counter antihistamines and care from a local walk-in clinic can help you find some relief. To learn more about seasonal allergies, contact Lanier Urgent Care at (770) 824-4610.
