Allergists key to controlling symptoms
Q: I have a co-worker who is constantly blowing his nose and complaining about allergies. What drives me nuts is that he doesn’t seem to do anything about getting treatment. Any suggestions? A: Allergy sufferers should seek medical advice to lessen complications, optimize treatment and improve quality of life. Ninety-four percent of allergy sufferers report in a recent survey that their quality of life, often including their work productivity, sleep, concentration and even their sex lives, is affected by their allergies. However, only 50 percent of allergy sufferers consider the disease to be a serious medical condition and nearly two-thirds (64 percent) did not see an allergist or other doctor the last time their symptoms flared. That’s according to a national survey sponsored by the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.
Tell your co-worker to take his condition seriously and seek the advice of an allergist or personal physician to mitigate symptoms and feel good again.
“Allergies and their symptoms not only cause quality of life consequences such as fatigue, impaired work performance and general malaise, but insufficiently treated allergies also often lead to serious conditions such as sinus or ear infections, asthma and sleep problems,” said Dr. Bobby Lanier, president of ACAAI.
This fall, about 50 million Americans will suffer from allergic symptoms. Seasonal allergies are caused by pollens or mold spores, and year-round allergies are caused by indoor allergens. According to the ACAAI, sufferers often confuse allergy symptoms with the common cold because the conditions may mimic each other. Signs of seasonal allergies can include watery eyes, runny nose, sneezing, congestion or itchy throat.
Because these symptoms are easy to confuse, the ACAAI notes that it is imperative to involve an allergist or personal physician when any of these symptoms linger.
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Send your questions to Steve Infanti, A Fit Life Column, 801e BAB, University Park, Pa. 16802 or via e-mail to SCInfanti(at)compuserve.com/