We tend to think of allergies as something that pops up when the trees at Riverfront Park bloom in the springtime. While this is true for some, others may experience frustrating symptoms year-round. Let’s take a look at why your allergies may play up year-round and what you can do to manage them.
Why Do I Have Year-Round Allergies?
Seasonal allergies are caused by sensitivity to allergens like pollen, which are most common in the spring, summer and early fall. In contrast, year-round allergies are triggered by indoor allergens like mold, dust and pet dander. Since these allergens are always present, they can cause symptoms at any time of the year. A few symptoms of year-round allergies include:
- Sneezing
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Red or watery eyes
- Hives or itchy skin
- Coughing
- Headache or sinus pressure
- Fatigue
How Can I Manage Year-Round Allergies?
There are a few steps to managing year-round allergies, including:
- Identify the allergens. Identifying the allergens responsible for your symptoms is crucial to managing them. Schedule an allergy test with one of our specialists to find your sensitivities.
- Minimize exposure. Minimizing allergen exposure is a crucial step toward relief. After identifying your allergens, do your best to clear them out of your life. For example, if you’re sensitive to mold, run a dehumidifier in your home and clean regularly to reduce buildup. If you’re sensitive to pet dander and have a dog or cat, bathe your pets regularly and vacuum at least once a week.
- Take medication. Allergy medication provides short-term relief for allergy symptoms. Depending on the severity of your allergies, you can take medication daily or whenever your symptoms arise.
- Consider immunotherapy. Immunotherapy is a long-term treatment option used to reduce your sensitivity to seasonal, indoor and insect allergens. Treatments consist of regular injections for three to five years. Although that may sound like a long time, the symptom relief is well worth the commitment.
Allergies are the sixth-leading cause of long-term illness in the United States, with more than 50 million people experiencing an allergic reaction each year. By identifying the allergens you’re sensitive to, minimizing exposure, taking medication and considering immunotherapy, you can control your allergies for lasting relief. Contact Charleston ENT & Allergy today to discuss your allergy management options with one of our specialists.