Do You Suffer from Seasonal Allergies?
Nearly 1 in 3 U.S. adults and more than 1 in 4 U.S. children reported having a seasonal allergy, eczema or food allergy in 2021, according to data from CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics. 27.2% of children show allergy symptoms, and 31.8% of adults, which tallies to over 100 million people. Each day during different times of the year, people wake up with a runny nose, itchy eyes, and a scratchy throat—all symptoms of seasonal allergies.
“One of the most chronic conditions around the world is allergies,” says Lauren C. Anderson, MD, ear, nose, & throat specialist at Bingham Healthcare. “Having an allergic reaction starts in your immune system, which protects you from organisms that can cause illness. If you’re allergic to something that means your immune system is mistaking a harmless substance—an allergen—as an invader.”
For 99% of patients with allergies, it is not a life-and-death situation, but rather a quality-of-life issue. Seasonal allergies are caused by the increased amount of pollen and other substances in the air around us. For some people, the body has a negative reaction to these substances, treating them almost as poison. This is what ultimately results in the following irritating symptoms:
- Sneezing,
- Itchy throat
- Runny nose
- Watery eyes
- Other symptoms
“In addition, allergies can be really difficult for kids, too,” says Dr. Anderson. “They can suffer from chronic ear infections, ongoing sinus problems, and even have excessive snoring and sleeping problems.”
In addition, according to Food Allergy Research & Education, one in 13 children living in the United States have a food allergy. And more than 40% of these kids have experienced a severe reaction to the allergen. If you think your child has been diagnosed with a food allergy, it’s crucial that you educate yourself, and Dr. Anderson can help with that.
A number of different allergens can cause an allergic reaction such as pollen, dust, foods, animal dander, mold, medications, and latex. If you’re allergic to any of these things, your immune system overreacts to the allergen by producing Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies. These antibodies travel to cells that release histamine and other chemicals, thus causing an allergic reaction.
There are a number of ways to treat allergies successfully; however, Dr. Anderson is a strong proponent of immunotherapy. “This is a preventive treatment for allergic reactions to substances such as grass pollens, house dust mites, and bee venom,” she said. “Immunotherapy involves giving gradually increasing doses of the substance, or allergen, to which the person is allergic.”
If allergy symptoms become unmanageable or resistant to current methods of treatment for you or a loved one, schedule an appointment with Dr. Anderson. She can talk to you about some of your other options. There are some types of prescription medication that can help alleviate your symptoms. Don’t wait to get relief.
Schedule an appointment with Dr. Lauren C. Anderson—MD, FACS, FAAOA
Dr. Anderson is a board-certified otolaryngologist—an ear, nose, & throat specialist. She provides a comprehensive diagnostic and treatment program for all diseases involving the ear, nose, or throat.
If you’re suffering from itchy eyes, a runny or stuffy nose, scratchy throat, and sneezing, Dr. Anderson sees patients of all ages in Blackfoot and Pocatello.
Idaho Physicians Clinic
Medical Office Plaza
98 Poplar St., 3rd Floor
Blackfoot, ID 83221
(208) 785-3800
Physicians & Surgeons Clinic of Pocatello
1151 Hospital Way, Bldg. D
Pocatello, ID 83201
(208) 239-8000
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