It’s that time again. That time when flowers bloom, and people begin to brush winter dust out of their homes. While spring is a long-awaited season for many, it can be challenging for those with allergic rhinitis, more commonly known as hay fever. Hay fever affects approximately 20% of people in the United States and may cause symptoms including sneezing, congestion, itchy nose and red or watery eyes.
While many people with mild hay fever may opt for home remedies or medication for symptom management, those with moderate to severe symptoms may benefit from testing and treatment from an allergy specialist.
Why Is Allergy Testing Important?
Allergy testing helps you understand which allergens cause your symptoms. An allergen is a small, usually harmless substance capable of triggering an immune system overreaction in sensitive individuals. Common allergens include pollen, dust mites, mold, pet dander, certain foods, cockroach droppings and medications. Understanding which allergens cause your symptoms can help you craft a better allergen avoidance plan and seek the appropriate treatment.
When Is It Time To See an Allergist?
You should consider seeing an allergist for allergy testing if you are experiencing symptoms such as:
- Persistent sneezing, runny nose or nasal congestion
- Itchy or watery eyes
- Skin reactions such as hives, eczema or itching
- Difficulty breathing, wheezing or coughing
- Recurrent sinus infections or sinus pain
- Symptoms that worsen in specific environments or during certain times of the year
If you suspect you have allergies and over-the-counter medications are not providing adequate relief, or if you want to identify specific allergens triggering your symptoms, it’s a good idea to schedule an appointment with an allergist.
Your allergist will likely start with a skin scratch or blood test to identify your allergen sensitivities. Depending on the cause and severity of your allergies, your specialist may recommend allergen avoidance strategies, medications or allergy immunotherapy, a long-term treatment plan aimed at desensitizing you to your allergens, usually administered through shots or drops.
Allergies are no fun. Start on the path to relief by contacting Spartanburg | Greer ENT & Allergy today to schedule an appointment with one of our allergy specialists.
