Causes and Treatments for Seasonal Allergies

Springtime is a season that almost everyone welcomes after winter’s chill. Warm weather and blooming flowers are things everyone enjoys, unless, you’re one of the millions suffering from seasonal allergies. The American Academy of Asthma and Immunology determines that over 40% of the world’s population suffers from some form of allergies. An allergy is actually hypersensitivity disorder caused by the immune system. The immune system works to protect the body against foreign elements by producing antibodies. Antibodies typically protect the body from sickness and infection, but in the case of allergies, the immune system is actually causing the reaction.

Allergies occur when the immune system identifies a particular allergen, such as pollen or pet dander, and begins producing antibodies against that element, which is actually not harmful to the body at all. When the person comes in contact with the allergen, the antibodies begin attacking the allergen, causing the allergic reaction. The allergen itself is not harmful to the body, but the body’s reaction to the allergen can be quite serious. Allergic reactions vary in severity and form ranging from a minor irritation to anaphylaxis, which can often be life threatening.

Most allergies can’t be cured, but there are a variety of ways to manage symptoms easily enough. The easiest way to stop allergies is to avoid the allergens. For those who are allergic to certain plants and pet danders, avoidance of the allergen usually stops the reaction and reduces symptoms.

Aside from avoidance, there are several medications that can be very helpful in reducing and controlling allergies. Allergy medications come in many different forms, from over the counter antihistamines to prescription nasal sprays. The medications vary with allergens, but mostly just control or stop symptoms.

Antihistamines are the most common types of medications for seasonal allergies. Antihistamines work by stopping or reducing histamines, stopping allergy symptoms. Histamines are chemicals produced by the immune system when the body comes in contact with an allergen. They cause inflammation of the bodily tissue usually in the nose and sinus areas. Antihistamines stop this reaction and help to control and reduce any swelling and inflammation. Antihistamines can come in many different forms to treat specific areas. They are most commonly taken orally, or through drops or sprays. They are available over the counter and by prescription.

Aside from antihistamines, decongestants and steroids can be helpful for dealing with allergies. Decongestants shrink swollen and inflamed tissue relieving congestion. Steroids, usually in the form of nasal sprays, also constrict nasal vessels and are considered one of the strongest forms of allergy relief. Many decongestants can be purchased from any local drug store, while most steroids must be prescribed by a doctor.

Neville Street is the Administrative Director for Rodriquez MD, a bilingual medical practice in Lawrenceville, GA that provides health care to infants, children, adolescents and adults. Gwinnett physicians Deborah and Veronica Rodriguez are sisters with a combined 27 years of experience.

For more information visit: http://lawrenceville-doctors.com/

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