Mercy Medical Center North Iowa | Life & Health | Summer 2018

If you’re allergic to tree pollens, you probably start sneezing and sniffling in early spring. If grass pollens cause your allergies, then late spring and early summer might herald more miseries for you. And if weed pollens are your nemesis, you might say “Achoo” from late summer through early fall. Seasonal allergies affect more than 50 million Americans, according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Airborne pollens and spores are the usual culprits. Besides sneezing, symptoms can include itchy eyes, a scratchy throat and nasal congestion. Your eyes might also become watery and red. There is no cure for seasonal allergies. But you don’t have to wait for cold weather to bring relief. You can minimize your exposure to the offending pollens. For instance, try to: ●   ● Stay indoors in the morning, when pollen levels are highest. ●   ● Wear a pollen-filtering mask when outdoors. ●   ● Keep windows closed as much as possible. Also, talk to your physician. He or she can recommend medications to treat your symptoms. You might even benefit from immunotherapy—allergy shots that can help lessen your allergies. To monitor pollen counts, visit the National Allergy Bureau at aaaai.org/nab . Additional source: American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology ‘Achoo’ Shoo the What season gets you sneezin’? 20 million The percentage of people with hay fever who get relief after taking allergy shots. 85% Source: American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Source: Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America The number of adults in the U.S. who are affected by hay fever. 4 LIFE AND HEALTH