Youre sniffling, sneezing, have a stuffy nose and sore throat. Youve never suffered from allergies, so you figure its just a cold. Surprise! You may be wrong. Medical evidence shows that it is possible to develop allergies later in life. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, whether or not you develop allergies is often passed down through families. If both your parents have allergies, you are likely to have allergies. The chance is greater if your mother has allergies.
Last weeks elevated pollen counts were nothing to sneeze at and the cause of this weeks Whats Going Around -- Allergic Rhinitis (a.k.a. seasonal allergies/hay fever).
Centra Care physicians saw a spike in allergy sufferers last week at the following centers:
- Waterford Lakes – up more than 500%
- Conway and Lee Road – 400% increase
- Hunter’s Creek – 275% increase
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- Dr. Phillips, Longwood and Sand Lake – 200% increase
- Azalea Park, Clermont and Oviedo – more than double
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LEARN MORE:
Pollen allergies cause symptoms like itchy watery eyes, a runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, coughing, headaches; and, sometimes more serious symptoms like shortness of breath and wheezing. So how do you know if you are have allergies or a cold, the chart below may help.
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Symptoms
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Cold
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Seasonal Allergy
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Cough
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x
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|
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Gene ral Aches, Pains
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x
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|
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Fatigue, Weakness
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x
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|
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Fever
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x
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|
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Sneezing
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x
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xx
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Sore Throat
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x
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x
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Runny Nose
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x
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x
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Stuffy Nose
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x
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x
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Itchy Eyes
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x
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There are over the counter and prescription medications available to bring relief to allergy sufferers:
Antihistamines:
- Antihistamines can relieve mild to moderate symptoms and are available both over the counter and by prescription.
Corticosteroids Nasal Sprays:
- These prescription nasal sprays are a very effective treatment for allergic rhinitis.
Decongestants:
- Decongestants can help reduce symptoms such as nasal congestion. Nasal spray decongestants should not be used for more than 3 days.
- Saline nasal spray or irrigation can give temporary relief for congestion.
Allergy Shots:
- Allergy shots may be recommended for unavoidable allergens that produce hard to control symptoms. They can make your immune system less sensitive to allergens.
Monday’s rainy weather brought welcome relief to those allergic to pollen, but don’t put up your tissue boxes just yet - the pollen levels for the rest of the week are forecast
to be in the medium-high to high range.
There 18 Centra Care Urgent Care locations – and a Florida Hospital certified physician on site – 7 Days a Week. For locations and phone numbers visit:
www.CentraCare.org
Sincerely,
Florida Hospital Centra Care
407-200-CARE (2273)
To learn more about "What's Going Around" in our community you can listen to the Centra Care Senior Medical Director each Tuesday morning between 8am and 8:30am on 88.3FM radio - Z88.3