It’s that time of the year again…seasonal allergies are upon us. According to the American College of Asthma, Allergy & Immunology (ACAAI), spring allergies begin in February and last until early summer. The ACAAI website also states, “Allergies are the sixth leading cause of chronic illness in the U.S. with an annual cost in excess of $18 billion. More than 50 million Americans suffer from allergies each year.”
Family medicine physician, Yousuf Mohammed, MD, serves on staff at Presence Saint Joseph Medical Center in Joliet and says, “Seasonal allergy symptoms tend to worsen during fall and spring when pollen counts are high.”
However, another challenge lies in determining whether you are experiencing seasonal allergies or just a cold. Dr. Mohammad says, “Usually with a cold (viral upper respiratory infection), the symptoms include: nasal congestion, cough, fever, sore throat, and/or body aches.” Adding, “Symptoms usually last for five to seven days.” Patients with seasonal allergies may experience similar symptoms. However, there are a few key differentiators. “With seasonal allergies, patients don’t usually have a fever or body aches, but instead they may have itchy eyes and/or an itchy nose,” notes Dr. Mohammed.
According to ACAAI, other common symptoms include sneezing and a stuffy nose, typically “caused by allergic sensitivity to pollens from trees, grasses or weeds, or to airborne mold spores.” While allergy symptoms are usually worse during the fall and spring, some people may experience symptoms throughout the entire year.
For anyone with seasonal or regular allergy flare ups, Dr. Mohammed provides the following suggestions to help manage the symptoms:
- Keep the windows shut when pollen count is high.
- Clean up and take a shower once you get home to avoid bringing allergens inside.
- Use an N95 mask if you are working in the yard and notice breathing difficulties, and follow up with your doctor.
- Stay hydrated.
- Keep your surroundings clean.
- Nasal rinses help.
If you are a parent of a child with seasonal allergies, Dr. Mohammed advises, “Parents should watch out for allergies affecting their children and their breathing. Allergies can result in wheezing, which should be addressed by a primary care physician.”
To make an appointment for you or your family with Dr. Mohammed at his New Lenox office, please call 815.485.2541. To book an appointment online or read more about Presence Health physicians, please visit
PresenceHealth.org/findadoc.