Are your allergies out of control? Local expert shares tips
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - Augusta is one of the worst places for pollen, ranked in the top 60 most challenging cities to live in with seasonal allergies.
We talked with doctors about how to treat seasonal allergies.
A local doctor says seasonal allergies affect most people in the South. Not only does spring bring in warmer temps, but it also brings pollen in the air. For most people with allergies, it can cause a lot of problems.
Dr. Kathleen May, division chief of allergy at Augusta University, said: “So in Georgia and Augusta in particular, it’s a very long season.”
People with allergies are in for the long haul as pollen starts to fill the air.
“The pollen season starts because we have a very long growing season here,” she said.
Pollen is a major allergen that triggers spring allergies and comes from trees, grass, and most weeds. May says pollen can affect many parts of the body.
“When people think of allergy, they often think of nasal symptoms, the congestion, the sneezing, the itching of the nose, but it can also affect the lungs. You may get skin itching and skin rashes, too. It can affect many different organ systems, too,” said May.
During the spring, make sure to wash your produce. Pollen can fall on food, and if not washed properly, it can be a problem for about 10 percent of allergy sufferers.
“What that means is someone will eat a food that’s unrelated to the pollen, and their mouth and ears will itch,” she said. “Some people can’t eat raw carrots, celery, or apples because the body thinks it’s pollen.”
She adds untreated pollen allergies can lead to long-term effects. To ease symptoms, doctors recommend using a nasal spray, or you can grab over-the-counter allergy medicine.
“Inflammation of the lungs and inflammation of the sinus. That inflammation over time can lead to lung damage,” said May.
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