Doctor offers advice for those with seasonal allergies

JONESBORO, Ark- From a runny nose, watery eyes, and a scratchy throat, these are all allergy symptoms that many of us are feeling here in northeast Arkansas.

“I have a lot of patients who have been struggling with seasonal allergies, even my son,” said Dr. Hadia Arzoun, a third-year internal medicine resident at St. Bernards Medical Center.

She says seasonal allergies can be hard to hide from.

“Our very best thing to do is avoid them which is hard because they’re outside and inside. We have two different kinds of pollen, allergens.”

Outdoor pollen comes from trees, grass, and plants, while indoor allergens can be dust mites. But both can cause issues and irritate your sinuses.

The doctor suggests taking steps using allergy covers for furniture and bedding while wearing a mask outdoors can offer relief.

Drinking hot tea and ginger can help improve symptoms for those with a scratchy throat.

“Dehumidifiers which helps reduce the excess of humidities at home. Taking Zyrtec for example, they can clean stuff, clean surfaces,” Dr. Arzoun said.

According to https://www.climatecentral.org/report/report-pollen-allergies-climate-change data shows since the 1970’s, seasonal allergies have become worse- the season starting earlier and lasting longer, while the pollen has is more intense.

Doctor Arzoun says they see the impact every day.

“[We see patients] all year long. Some people come in the spring, some in autumn, others winter. So, we actually see patients all year long.”

If over the counter medications do not work; and symptoms still linger after two weeks, it’s time to make an appointment to see your doctor.

She says avoiding the problem could become worse.

“Throat scratching, runny nose, feeling like you’re stuffy, call your primary care [doctor], and go get checked out just to make sure there is no infection.”

If symptoms don’t improve after prescribed antibiotics or any skin changes appear, you should make another appointment with your doctor and get tested for allergies.