Spring is in the air, which means that with the blooming of the flowers and longer days come the dreaded itchy noses, watery eyes and uncontrollable sneezing.

More than 65 million Americans suffer from some type of asthma or allergies, either having one or both of these conditions. Not all allergies are “seasonal,” and they affect many individuals of all ages throughout life. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, 20 million adults and 5 million children have asthma; 26 million adults and 6 million children have a food allergy; and 19.2 million adults and 5.2 million children live with hay fever, rhinitis or nasal allergies.

There is no cure for asthma or any type of allergies, and this peak season is why May annually serves as Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month — to educate and raise awareness about the short and long-term effects of these conditions. No one should have to suffer or live with symptoms that can be controlled or treated.

All About Allergies

An individual with an allergy has an overactive immune system, according to the Allergy and Asthma Network, meaning typically harmless items like grass, types of food or pet fur can trigger a reaction from the immune system. These individuals’ immune systems see these items as dangerous invaders.

Allergies are a serious health issue that can interfere with daily activities and quality of life. Environmental or seasonal allergies warrant reactions from pollen, mold, pets and dust mites. Symptoms include runny nose, sneezing, coughing, watery eyes and itching on the face. When untreated, these can lead to more serious issues such as congestion, headaches and sore throats.

Life-threatening allergic reactions can occur with food, insect venom, latex and medication, and these reactions may warrant emergency care. Symptoms include itching or burning skin, swelling or hives; stomach issues such as vomiting, cramps or diarrhea; respiratory problems such as shortness of breath, wheezing, chest tightness or coughing; weak heart pulse, dizziness, confusion or faintness; and loss of consciousness.

To determine if you have allergies, whether seasonal or potentially life-threatening, speak with your medical provider, who can determine if testing is necessary and, if so, help you develop a treatment plan. Testing may include skin prick testing or blood tests.

Asthma Symptoms and Treatments

Every year in the U.S., asthma leads to 2 million emergency room visits, 500,000 hospitalizations, 14 million doctor visits, 14 million missed school days and more than 3,000 deaths, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.

According to the Mayo Clinic, asthma is a lung condition in which your airways narrow and swell to produce extra mucus, resulting in difficulty breathing. Symptoms include coughing, shortness of breath, wheezing and chest tightness or pain. While for some people asthma is more of a nuisance, for others, it can lead to a life-threatening asthma attack.

Asthma attacks occur when an individual is exposed to their “asthma triggers,” according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which can take the form of tobacco smoke, dust mites, outdoor air pollution, pets, mold or infections like the flu.

Treatment looks different for each individual, as asthma often changes over time. Your provider can determine if adjustments are needed or if a specialist’s care is necessary. Medications, either in the form of quick-relief or long-term control, may be helpful. Quick-relief medications alleviate symptoms of an attack, whereas long-term medicines help with attack prevention.

Seek emergency treatment when you have rapid worsening of shortness of breath or wheezing, if you don’t notice any improvements when using a quick-relief inhaler or if you experience shortness of breath performing minimal activity.

Prowers Medical Center offers an array of tests, treatments and procedures for infants, children and adults with asthma and allergies. Learn more about if or how you might be affected by either of these conditions by speaking with your primary care provider. To schedule an appointment at Prowers Medical Center Clinic, call 719-336-6767 or go to prowersmedical.com/services/clinic.