SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) - If you're sniffling or sneezing, you're not alone. According to the CDC, 25% of Americans suffer from seasonal allergies. In Central Illinois, those allergies are spiked by pollen from trees and plants, mold from heavy rain, and dust blown into the air by planting.
"Itching is the most common sign of allergies," said Dr. Sudha Prasad in Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology at Springfield Clinic. "Ear pain... sneezing, itching, rhinorrhea which is drainage, sinus pressure, sinus headaches, and throat itchiness."
Dr,. Prasad says there are three ways you can combat allergies. The first is avoiding allergens. This can mean wearing a mask or goggles when you have to spend time outside or closing your windows when pollen spikes in the mornings and late afternoon.
"As soon as you come into the house if you are outdoors a lot, take a shower from head to toe get rid of the pollen and stuff that is on your clothing," said Dr. Prasad.
She also says antihistamines are a common solution. But, if you are taking them, you need to be consistent and take them each day in order for them to be effective.
If you are still struggling with allergies, Dr. Prasad recommends talking to your doctor. Allergy injections can help your body build up a resistance to your allergens so you know longer have symptoms.
"A lot of people since childhood, they have had allergies and they're just limited, they think everybody lives like that," said Dr. Prasad. "You don't recognize how bad you feel, really, until it gets to be out of control and they develop asthma. 50% of people that have allergies develop asthma."
