2023 Spring/Summer Allergies in AZ – what they are and what to do if you think you have them
It is common for people to struggle with allergies. It has been shown that allergies can make a person’s depression worse. When people come to Arizona, they often believe the southwestern desert is a great place to avoid allergies. This is usually not the case.
Arizona can be a nightmare Allergies
People need to realize that Arizona has a growing season that lasts all year. That means there are plants producing pollen year-round. Arizona also has desert allergen as well as mold, air pollution, and dust. It is a climate that is excellent for farming, but people often experience Arizona hay fever as well as perennial allergies.
AZ Pollen Sources
One of the top causes of spring allergies in Arizona is ragweed. There is also palo verde and pine as well as oak and olive. Arizona has grasses that produce irritating pollen from March to October. Bermuda grass produces a significant number of allergens.
Symptoms of Pollen Allergy
Individuals with Arizona pollen allergies will have certain symptoms when the pollen causes them to have an allergic reaction.
*Swelling around their eyes
*They may have mucus production and a runny nose
*Their eyes could be red and watery
*Sneezing
*They will have nasal congestion
*Their ears, nose, eyes, and mouth will be itchy
Tests For Pollen Allergies
There are two tests that could be used to determine if they have an allergy.
1. Skin Testing: A small pronged applicator, pulled from a well of allergen is used to scratch the skin to deposit the allergen. If a person develops a welt (also known as a hive) or redness (also known as erythema) at the site of the scratch, this usually indicates an allergy within 20 minutes. Items tested are pollens, molds, inhalants, and foods.
2. Specific IgE Blood Test – A person will be sent with an order, written by the physician to a laboratory for a blood draw. Blood testing may be ordered for babies and small children who can not tolerate skin testing. Some people take medication(s) that could interfere with skin testing. Also blood testing is ordered if a a person has skin conditions that make skin testing intolerable.
Allergy Medications
Some over-the-counter medicines can help decrease allergy symptoms.
*Cromolyn Sodium – This is a nasal spray. It blocks the release of chemicals that cause allergy symptoms.
*Antihistamines – These can relieve the itching in the eyes and nose as well as sneezing. They can also decrease a runny nose.
*Decongestants – They help make the lining of the nasal passages smaller and relieve nasal stuffiness.
*Nasal corticosteroids – They decrease inflammation in the nose and block allergic reactions.
Besides over-the-counter medications, allergy injections also can help alleviate symptoms and even possibly with time, will stop the allergic reactions completely. After getting tested, an allergist will create a custom allergy serum that can be given as an injection.
AZ Allergy Specialists
Dealing with allergies in AZ is something that’s common and occurs with many people. It is a beautiful state, but pollen and other allergens are also part of it. There is help available. Most people in Arizona can work with an allergist to discover what works best to handle their allergies. Adult and Pediatric Allergy Specialists P.C. is the top allergy clinic in AZ with 4 convenient locations to serve you. Reach out to them if you or your child may be suffering from allergy symptoms.