| Allergy: Inconvenience or
Serious Health Problem?
Spring time in Alaska is delightful with the lengthening daylight, new growth, and warmth. For a significant number of Alaskans, it is also time for itchy teary eyes, runny congested nose, sinus pressure and pain, coughing and wheezing. All of these symptoms are commonly a result of allergy. This genetic condition often varies in the degree of symptoms it causes but can generally make life miserable for sufferers. Related problems include fatigue, a sense of "fogginess" with thought processes, frequent sinus or ear infections, and even life
threatening asthma or anaphylaxis.
Economically, allergy is a tremendous cost to employee and employer alike. Medical absenteeism is common, on the job injury likelihood is increased because of fatigue and the distraction caused by symptoms, and even decision making processes are often impaired in someone suffering from severe allergy symptoms.
Fortunately, there are great treatments available now that only a few years ago were unheard of. After the diagnosis of allergy is made by a physician, several options are available for treatment. Antihistamines that do not cause sedation or anti-allergy nasal sprays are the mainstay for effective safe treatment of hay fever symptoms. Excellent medications are now available to control asthma.
The take home point is that allergy is a serious disease that can lead to complications in many areas but that diagnosis and treatment are readily available.
Richard R Taylor MD |
