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_I HAVE SEASONAL ALLERGIES, AND IT FEELS LIKE THEY’RE GETTING WORSE EVERY YEAR. HOW CAN I GET THE SYMPTOMS UNDER CONTROL SO THAT I’M NOT MISERABLE EVERY TIME I HAVE TO LEAVE THE HOUSE?_

While we love the lush growth triggered by spring, if you have seasonal allergies, enjoying yourself outdoors on high-pollen days can be difficult. You may be sneezing and sniffling, have

itchy eyes, a runny nose, post-nasal drip, a sore throat or cough, stuffiness and fatigue. While it’s unpleasant, you’re certainly not alone in your misery. The National Center for Health

Statistics estimates nearly 30 percent of Americans between age 45 to 64, and more than 26 percent of Americans between ages 65 to 74, have seasonal allergies. So, what’s going on? Your

immune system is mistaking pollen, those tiny particles released from trees, weeds and grasses, for a dangerous substance. In response, your body produces antibodies that detect the

allergen, causing an inflammatory reaction and the release of a compound called histamine. This reaction can worsen as you age, because, like the rest of your body, as we get older, our

immune system changes. In this instance, it means an increased sensitivity to allergens. You may also be experiencing a decline in lung function, making it harder to clear allergens from

your airways. Or, you may be dealing with asthma or emphysema, which can increase allergic reactions, particularly in older people. I also think it’s worth mentioning that as the environment

changes and our planet warms, our growing seasons are longer. Because of this, more people are experiencing seasonal allergies. The good news is that there are actions you can take to help

relieve your discomfort. First, I’d say don’t underestimate the value of meeting with an allergy specialist, or allergist. These are doctors specifically trained to diagnose allergies,

asthma and other immune-system-related issues. An allergist can pinpoint exactly what’s causing your immune system to overreact, often by giving you a skin prick test or allergy blood test.

They can then offer treatments tailored to your particular needs. In some cases, allergy shots, also known as immunotherapy, can help to gradually reduce your sensitivity. These shots

contain tiny amounts of allergens that work to trigger your immune system. Over time, your immune system gets used to the allergens and stops overreacting.