Dealing with seasonal allergies for the first time?
News sources are calling this one of the worst spring allergy seasons in a long time. Apparen'tly the polar vortex we experienced this winter has resulted in a pollen vortex, meaning that more trees are releasing pollens at about the same time this spring, rather than the season being spread out over a longer period.
Pollen. Photo: Public domain/Dartmouth Electron Microscope Facility
Even people who don't usually have a problem are experiencing allergy symptoms this year. But if, like me, you're dealing with seasonal allergies for the first time, take heart; there's a lot of information available to help you manage your condition.
This type of allergy, caused by exposure to pollens, dust and dander, is called allergic rhinitis. When the symptoms are caused specifically by pollens, it's commonly known as hay fever. Getting advice about how to recognize and manage the symptoms of hay fever can provide some relief.
The Library has resources to help you deal with seasonal allergy symptoms:
The Health & Wellness Resource Center database has a helpful article on "allergic rhinitis".
In the Consumer Health Complete database, the article on allergic rhinitis links readers to information from a variety of sources, from fact sheets and pamphlets to reports in medical journals.
And we have books about allergies:
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If you thought you could look forward to some relief when the tree pollen season comes to an end, I'm sorry to report that you may be dealing with hay fever symptoms until October. But learning about our condition should help those of us experiencing seasonal allergies for the first time to enjoy this long-awaited spring and summer.
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