Allergic rhinitis is common, and for seasonal allergy sufferers it's predictable. So why is it such a cause of misery when many over-the-counter allergy medications are available? The answer may lie in an incorrect diagnosis or an ineffective treatment.
Is It Really Allergic Rhinitis?
During pollen season, I see two types of patients in my practice: those with seasonal allergic rhinitis and those with other nasal issues. Because the symptoms of allergic rhinitis overlap with those of nasal polyps, chronic sinusitis, and nonallergic rhinitis, you should always take a history and perform any relevant tests, even if the patient walks in at the height of the season and claims that their "allergies" are acting up.
It's Not Your Imagination; Seasonal Allergies Are Getting Worse
The higher CO2 levels of climate change support plant growth, including the undesirable ones like ragweed.
A move across the country, to the suburbs, or to a new country changes exposure and can lead to greater sensitization and new onset of symptoms at any age. Worsening or new onset of seasonal allergy also can be seen in women after a pregnancy, perhaps owing to similar immunologic milieu[1]—the Th2 lymphocyte tilt that occurs is the same in both allergic inflammation and pregnancy.
