If you suffer from seasonal allergies, you already know how miserable they can make you feel. If you are tired of the sneezing, coughing, and other unpleasant symptoms brought on by seasonal allergies, it’s time to get some help from your allergist. Your allergist is an expert at allergy testing and treatment and can help you find relief, so you can get back to enjoying life again.

Seasonal allergy symptoms can be brought on by exposure to a substance you are allergic to. Some of the most common of these substances, known as allergens, include:

• Flower and plant pollen
• Grass and weed pollen
• Trees and shrubs

Seasonal allergy symptoms typically occur during the spring and summer, when plants are blooming, and the pollen count is high.

You may also be allergic to substances in your home. Symptoms of these allergies are more common during fall and winter when you spend most of your time indoors. These allergens include:

• Mold and spores
• Dust and dust mites
• Pet dander and pet fur

Seasonal allergies can bring on signs and symptoms like these:

• A skin rash or irritation
• Breathing difficulties
• A runny nose or nasal congestion
• Coughing or sneezing
• Sinus pressure or sinus headaches
• Itchy, watery, red eyes
• Inflamed or infected ears

Treatment for seasonal allergies begins with allergy testing, to find out what you are allergic to. Skin testing is a common way to test for seasonal allergies. A small amount of the allergen is injected just under your skin. If the area grows red, irritated, or raises up, you are allergic to the allergen.

You can take a few proactive steps to reduce your exposure to allergens. Remember to:

• Keep doors and windows closed
• Use hypoallergenic sheets and linens
• Wash your sheets and pillowcases frequently
• Vacuum often, or consider switching to hard flooring

Your allergist can help you manage seasonal allergies with effective allergy treatments like these:

• Allergy shots
• Prescription-strength antihistamines and decongestants
• Sublingual immunotherapy drops

You don’t have to suffer from seasonal allergies when help and relief are just a phone call away. To find out more about the symptoms and causes of seasonal allergies, call your allergist today.