Spring has arrived, but for many Americans, it brings a familiar foe: seasonal allergies. Dr. Aaron Robinson, an ear, nose, and throat specialist in Lincoln, Nebraska, says there are ways to lessen the impact of itchy eyes, runny noses, and scratchy throats. Robinson notes that it can be difficult to tell the difference between allergies and cold or flu symptoms.
Allergies tend to be less severe but last longer. “A lot of people wake up in the morning and they think they’ve got a cold or a flu because they have post-nasal drip, scratchy eyes, and itchy throat, sometimes even feeling fatigued because they didn’t sleep well,” he said. Allergies vary from person to person.
Different plants, bugs, and dusts throughout the year can affect people differently.
Managing springtime allergies effectively
People can also develop new allergies after moving to a new location.
“We have a lot of patients who are transplants from other states,” Robinson said. They’ll move to Nebraska, do fine for three or four years, and then one year they come in and say, ‘This is the worst allergy season I’ve ever had.’ Sometimes it takes that long for your body to realize it doesn’t like corn or soy or whatever else we have floating around in the air here.
Most allergies can be treated with over-the-counter medicines like nasal sprays, rinses, or pills. For more severe symptoms, it is advisable to contact a doctor and get tested.
From there, a doctor can recommend immunotherapy like allergy shots or pills. Robinson also recommends regular cleaning of sheets, carpets, clothes, pets, and frequent showering to help remove allergens that could be causing discomfort. Taking these steps can help make springtime more enjoyable for those who suffer from seasonal allergies.
Image Credits: Photo by Allef Vinicius on Unsplash
Cameron is a highly regarded contributor in the rapidly evolving fields of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning. His articles delve into the theoretical underpinnings of AI, the practical applications of machine learning across industries, ethical considerations of autonomous systems, and the societal impacts of these disruptive technologies.
