It’s here: allergy season, and it’s here in Phoenix a bit earlier then usual. Arizona allergy season tends to span from the end of March until the middle of May, but this year due to the crazy weather that Arizona has seen, allergy season is here in full swing and it’s only March 4th! Now, I’m a Phoenix physician and not a meteorologist, but with the rain, hail, even snow that much of valley has seen over the past few weeks, it stands to reason that pollen and new flowers are in full bloom, leading to increased allergens in the air.
Symptoms of Allergies in Phoenix
How do you know it’s allergies and not a cold or something else? It’s a question that our physicians at Family Practice Specialists receive quite often, and an understandable one. With the symptoms so similar, knowing how to diagnose your condition can be confusing. Of course, if you’re not sure we always recommend making an appointment at our Phoenix offices and we’ll get to the bottom of your symptoms.
But, for now, let’s take a look at the differences and similarities between Arizona allergy symptoms and the common cold:
• Allergies: Runny nose, watery eyes, sneezing, coughing, itchy eyes and nose, dark circles under the eyes, and asthma attacks, can last days to months as long as the allergens are in the air, clear mucus
• Common Cold: Aches and pains, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose includes yellow mucus, can last three to 14 days
Diagnosing Arizona Allergies
Skin tests are the most accurate way to diagnose the extent of your allergies. While many Arizona residents are allergic to pollen in the air this time of year, there can be a multitude of other causes of your specific allergies, and understanding which allergens to avoid can greatly help your symptoms, diagnosis and treatment.
Treatment for Allergies
At Family Practice Specialists, our Phoenix physicians see patients of all ages, and so the treatment greatly depends upon the situation. However, in most situations we will try over the counter medications like antihistamines and decongestants, natural treatments such as saline sprays, humidifiers and perhaps even acupuncture.
Avoiding Seasonal Allergies in Arizona
It’s not impossible to avoid seasonal allergies in Arizona , however after such a wet rainy season, followed by this beautiful weather that we’re experiencing right now, it will be difficult. However, by staying in doors when you can, keeping your home free of allergens and dust with cleaning, avoiding opening the windows (even in this beautiful weather), maintaining clean air filters, and bathing to wash all pollen off of your body, you can prevent seasonal allergies.
“by Kandice Linwright” at Google
Summary:
allergy season, and it’s here in Phoenix a bit earlier then usual. Arizona allergy season tends to span from the end of March until the middle of May, but this year due to the crazy weather that Arizona has seen, allergy season is here in full swing and it’s only March 4th!
While many Arizona residents are allergic to pollen in the air this time of year, there can be a multitude of other causes of your specific allergies, and understanding which allergens to avoid can greatly help your symptoms, diagnosis and treatment.
It’s not impossible to avoid seasonal allergies in Arizona, however after such a wet rainy season, followed by this beautiful weather that we’re experiencing right now, it will be difficult.
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