Are Allergies Hereditary?
Are allergies hereditary? Spoiler alert: yes. Plot twist: but it’s not that simple. Allergies are the sixth most common chronic illness in the US, affecting...
Posted on October 9, 2016
AllergiesIn a word, yes, if they are close to you. Weather of all types can make allergies worse, and hurricanes are no exception. Wind, rain, and humidity can kick up pollen and keep them swirling through the air. When you consider the terrific winds and low barometric pressure that make up a hurricane, they certainly are a “perfect storm” that can trigger bad allergies.
Sudden changes in temperature and humidity can aggravate all sorts of allergies, as well. Even conditions that like to act like allergies, but actually are something completely different will raise their ugly head when the weather changes. Non-allergic rhinitis is just such a condition. It’s irritating and carries all the typical symptoms of runny nose, congestion and post nasal drip, however, it will test negative for specific allergies. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI) provides a simple guide to understand the difference between the two:
The only way to figure out which is causing your allergy symptoms is to consult an ear, nose, and throat specialist who can untangle the signs and symptoms. Once a diagnosis is reached, a treatment plan can provide relief.
Of course, some allergy sufferers would say the best answer is to control the weather! Short of that, there is a way to reduce the havoc that it wreaks on your allergies. Most of us close the windows so the wind won’t blow pollen into the house and clean pollen off the car, but there are some other tips to consider as well:
Even with your best efforts, during your worst allergy season you are probably going to need medications to feel better. Nasal sprays and pills like Flonase, Nasonex, Allegra, and Claritin are considered front line treatments in the battle against allergies. Immunotherapy, including allergy shots or sublingual drops, provide relief for many patients. If feel you have tried everything, including nasal surgery, and still suffer from stuffy nose, post nasal drip or a runny nose there is still hope for relief. Advanced, minimally invasive treatments conducted in the physician’s office are safe and very effective in treating chronic allergies. We don’t usually toot our own horn, but it’s important for chronic allergy suffers to know that our own Dr. Berger, a Board Certified Otolaryngologist, was one of the first physicians in the Delaware Valley to conduct Endoscopic Sinus Surgery, and it offers a long-lasting and gentle cure for chronic sinusitis.
If you suffer from allergies you are not alone. The AAAAI says that more than 17 million adults and 7 million children suffer from them. When your triggers are identified, sinuses examined, and a treatment plan designed specifically for you, you can find relief.
We can’t prevent hurricanes from blowing up the East Coast, but we can prevent how they make you feel. At Berger Henry ENT Specialty Group, our board certified Ear, Nose and Throat specialists are here to diagnose and treat your allergy symptoms in every season of the year.
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