How to Recognize Pollen Allergy Symptoms

If you are suffering from a runny nose and itchy eyes, you may have an allergy. Studies have shown that more people endure allergy misery than suffer from all major diseases combined. While people can have allergenic reactions to dust mites, food, pet dander and mold, many people are allergic to the beauty of the great outdoors. Hay fever, a.k.a allergic rhinitis, is often caused by hordes of airborne pollens invading your nose.

Instructions

• 1

  Keep track of how long you've been suffering. A lingering cold may point to pollen allergies.

• 2

  Take note of the frequency and seasonal patterns of your symptoms. Airborne pollens are typically at their highest levels during spring, early summer and early fall.

• 3

  Examine your symptoms. The symptoms of hay fever include sneezing, a runny or stuffy nose, a scratchy throat, itchy or watery eyes, a cough and post-nasal drip. It can also cause extreme fatigue, mental fogginess and persistent dark circles under the eyes.

• 4

  Visit your primary care physician to discuss your medical history and updated symptom journal. He may recommend an over-the-counter antihistamine or eye drops as a first step.

• 5

  Schedule an appointment with an allergy specialist for skin testing or a blood draw. These tests can help to narrow your reaction to specific allergens and can determine whether pollens are among the offenders.

• 6

  Get answers about allergies at the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America website (see Resources below).