Three-quarters of Americans have no allergies. Lucky them! Those are the ones who can enjoy all of the spring splendor without a worry.
However, a quarter of us do experience allergy-related symptoms to at least one element, either seasonal or year round. Irritants can include foods; dust and molds; medications; latex; animal dander; and insect stings, bites and debris. Symptoms to these allergens vary in severity from mild to severe, and affect at least one of the body's three main systems—skin, digestive system, and respiratory system.
Some people with allergies aren't even aware that they have any—especially adults who didn't experience any allergy-related symptoms as children. They blame their sniffles and sneezes on a cold or flu. However, allergies can surface at any age, in any form.
The difficulty of pinning down an allergy is compounded by several things.
- Allergies can change.
- Symptoms can change in severity.
- Allergies can be masked by other irritants, and once the body is in a state of allergic inflammation, other non-allergen products such as perfume and smoke can further aggravate symptoms.
- No two people, not even twins, experience the same reaction.
If you think that you are suffering from seasonal hay fever allergies this year, then it's important that you visit your doctor. One of the most successful treatments for sufferers is prescription nasal sprays. Treating yourself with over-the-counter topical nasal steroids, however, can be risky as they create dependency if used for more than three days in row. Prescription sprays are less likely to become addictive.
