The arrival of spring, with warmer weather and budding trees and flowers, is a welcome event for most people. For the 35 million Americans who suffer from allergic rhinitis, spring also means the return of coughing, sniffling, sneezing, and watering eyes. Did you know:
· Approximately 16.7 million office visits to healthcare providers are attributed to allergic rhinitis each year
· Increased absenteeism and reduced productivity cost U.S. companies more than $250 million each year
· Allergies can lead to other chronic conditions, such as asthma, sinusitis or otitis media (an ear condition)
As trees, grass and flowers begin budding in the spring, the amount of pollen in the air increases, leading to more severe symptoms for allergy sufferers. Fortunately, they can take steps that will decrease their allergy symptoms:
· Take a shower after spending time outdoors to remove pollen that may be on your skin and hair
· Avoid hanging sheets or clothing out to dry, pollen and molds collect on them
· Take medications as prescribed in the recommended dosage. Do not take more medication to alleviate severe symptoms. If the medicine does not appear to be helping, contact your physician
