Am I Suffering from Allergies? Or Something Else?
There is a wide range of variability from person to person when it comes to allergies. The unique circumstances of each person and their environment as well as what type of symptoms occur, how often they occur, and how troublesome they are all have significant meaning.
Gathering this important clinical information is vital to providers as they are trying to determine if allergies may be playing a role. The ability to identify an association between allergic symptoms and allergen exposures is key and sometimes even definitive in deciding to proceed with allergy testing or immunotherapy.
An easy to use, simple to use, and quick-to-complete symptom screening tool is available in allergy clinics offering United Allergy Service’s line of allergy care options. This screening form offers standardization for this critical initial clinical investigation. It offers the opportunity to focus on seven core symptoms that can be strongly indicative of allergic disease.
The screening tool allows providers to assess the presence of symptoms with a strong indication for allergic disease, the frequency of these symptoms, and the presence of other allergic conditions such as atopic dermatitis and asthma. The greater the symptom score, and the more regular or frequent the symptoms occur, the higher the consideration for an allergy skin test should be. Atopic conditions such as atopic dermatitis and asthma, as well as symptom modifying medication use that has failed to control symptoms, also build more strength in the decision to undergo an allergy test.
This screening tool can also help to capture valuable information even after patients are scheduled for or have already had their allergy test. It can help determine the need for allergy testing and possibly immunotherapy, as well as track the decrease in symptoms and the positive impact immunotherapy has had. Completion of this symptom screening form can also help identify an increase in tolerance to a specific allergen that was previously a trigger, any reduction in medications previously used to lessen allergy symptoms, and any additional clinical benefits noted such as a reduction in asthma exacerbations, sinus infections, ear infections, or dermatitis.
If you feel you may be suffering from allergies, we encourage screening utilizing an allergy symptom screening tool like the one available in UAS allergy clinics or the online allergy quiz available on our website. It’s a great way to start your journey of improving allergy symptoms and your quality of life!
A Deep Dive into Summertime Allergies
As the warmth of summer graces us with its presence, many of us are eager to embrace outdoor activities and soak up the sun. However, along with the barbecues, beach days, and sunny strolls, comes an uninvited guest: allergies. For many people, summer is synonymous with sniffling, sneezing, itchy eyes, and other symptoms that signal the onset of seasonal allergies. Let’s delve into what exactly causes summertime allergies, how they impact us, and what we can do to manage them better.
The Cause: Summer Allergens
Seasonal allergies, also known as hay fever or allergic rhinitis, are triggered by allergens—substances that the immune system mistakenly identifies as harmful. When the body encounters these allergens, it responds by producing a type of antibody called Immunoglobulin E (IgE), leading to an allergic reaction.
During the summer months, the primary culprits are pollens from grasses, weeds, and trees. While spring is most commonly associated with tree pollen allergies, summertime often sees a rise in grass pollens (such as Timothy grass, Kentucky bluegrass, and ryegrass) and weed pollens (like ragweed, sagebrush, and pigweed). Mold spores, which thrive in warm, humid environments, also become more prevalent during summer, contributing to allergic symptoms.
The Impact: Symptoms of Summertime Allergies
The allergic reaction sparked by these allergens can result in a variety of allergy symptoms, many of which can be quite discomforting. These symptoms typically include:
- Sneezing
- Runny or congested nose
- Itchy, watery, or red eyes
- Coughing
- Itchy throat or ears
- Fatigue
These symptoms can severely affect an individual’s quality of life, leading to disturbed sleep, irritability, and an inability to fully enjoy outdoor activities during the summer season.
Managing Summertime Allergies
Various strategies can help manage the symptoms of seasonal allergies and make your summer a lot more enjoyable.
1. Awareness and Avoidance
Stay updated on local pollen forecasts available online such as the United Allergy Service Pollen Forecast or through mobile apps such as myAllergyPal®, and try to limit your outdoor activities on high pollen count days. Additionally, during these peak periods, keep your windows closed and use air conditioning to keep allergens at bay.
2. Allergy Medication
Over-the-counter antihistamines can be effective for relieving allergy symptoms like sneezing, itching, runny nose, and watery eyes. Decongestants may also help to relieve a stuffy nose. For those with severe symptoms, a provider may prescribe stronger medications or recommend allergy shots (immunotherapy).
3. Good Hygiene Practices
After spending time outdoors, be sure to shower and change into fresh clothes to remove any pollen that may have settled on your skin and clothing. It’s also beneficial to wash your hands often and avoid touching your face, especially your eyes, to prevent direct introduction of allergens.
4. Home Environment Care
Use high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters in your home to trap pollen and other allergens. Regular cleaning and vacuuming also help to keep your indoor environment allergen-free.
The Solution: Lasting Allergy Relief
Despite best efforts to manage allergy symptoms, over-the-counter medications and preventative measures might not be enough for some individuals. In such cases, it’s crucial to take the next step—getting tested for allergies. By identifying specific triggers, you can not only avoid those allergens but also receive targeted treatment for more effective symptom relief.
Through your provider at an allergy center near you, United Allergy Services offers comprehensive allergy testing that can pinpoint the exact allergens causing your discomfort. This personalized approach allows for a more accurate diagnosis and effective treatment plan.
For some, the path to relief could lie in immunotherapy, a treatment approach that helps the body build tolerance to allergens. United Allergy Services offers allergy shots (subcutaneous immunotherapy) and allergy drops (sublingual immunotherapy) tailored to your specific allergen sensitivities. Over time, immunotherapy can help to reduce or even eliminate your allergic responses, enabling you to fully enjoy summer.
In conclusion, while summertime allergies can put a damper on this vibrant season, there are many avenues to manage and overcome them, including avoidance, medication, and medical treatments like immunotherapy. Don’t let allergies hold you back—explore options with your provider at a local allergy center to find the best treatment path for you.