It’s as though no matter what everyone does allergy season sneaks up on us every year, and it is that time again. Recently, with the warm days mixed with rain, and adding in frost and snow we have a recipe for sneezing, itchy, watery eyes, and coughing. Read on to learn more about the basics of the cost, the problem, who is at risk, and if it can be prevented.
Healthy Tip Tuesday is brought to you in partnership with Trinity Health Systems.
The cost
Allergies are the 6th leading cause of chronic illness in the United States, and allergy-related illnesses see an annual cost in excess of $18 billion with more than 50 million Americans suffering each year.
What’s the Problem?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention explain that allergies are an overreaction of the immune system. These substances, or allergens, can cause sneezing, coughing, rashes, or shortness of breath. Allergic reactions range from bothersome to life-threatening. Allergies include:
- Grass
- Tree pollen
- Weeds
- Molds that grow under leaves In the fall,
- Ragweed
- Bee stings
- Allergies are associated with chronic conditions like sinusitis and asthma.
Can it be Prevented?
The CDC indicated that allergies are generally not preventable, but allergic reactions can be, so once a person identifies what they are allergic to they can avoid it.
- Stay in an air-conditioned environment during the peak hay-fever season
- Avoid certain foods
- Eliminate dust mites and animal dander from the home.
- Reduce or eliminate the symptoms by taking medication or utilizing allergy injection therapy.
The Bottom Line:
- The most common allergic diseases include hay fever, asthma, conjunctivitis, hives, eczema, dermatitis, and sinusitis.
- Food allergies are most prevalent in young children and are frequently outgrown.
- Bees, hornets, wasps, yellow jackets, and fire ants can cause insect sting allergies.
- Allergies to drugs, like penicillin, can affect any tissue or organ in the body.
Anaphylaxis is the most severe allergic reaction.
- tingling of the palms of the hands, soles of the feet or lips;
- light-headedness
- Chest tightness
- Flush
If not treated, these can progress into seizures, cardiac arrhythmia, shock, and respiratory distress and eventually could result in death. Below is the list of common allergies:
- Food
- Latex,
- Insect sting
- Drug allergies
The providers at Trinity Health Systems are able to help diagnose and manage allergy symptoms.
