The CDC says allergies are on the rise

It is that time of year again – it’s allergy season.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 50 million Americans suffer from allergies each year. It’s the 6th leading cause of chronic illness in the United States.

ABC 17’s Stormtrack Weather Team says pollen is problematic today because of the sunny, warm, and windy conditions.

A Columbia man told ABC 17 that he controls his allergies with over-the-counter pills, but he has friends with allergies that are so severe, “they can’t breathe, and if they don’t have their inhaler nearby, they’re in trouble,” says Brian Page.

A nurse at Broadway Urgent Care said people can mistake allergies for cold symptoms, but instead allergies are chronic, typically seasonal, and they can actually lead to further complications if left untreated.

“They can be debilitating, where a patient is keeping a running nose and their sneezing, it can lead to a sinus infection,” said Nurse Practitioner Tara Sykes.

Sykes also said if you are not responding to antihistamines, Flonase, suffer from breathing problems, sleep apnea or you have an on-going sinus infection, it’s time to go to an ear, nose, and throat doctor.

“Sinus cavities are very close to your brain,” said Sykes, which if an infection persists, it can spread to your brain. Although rare, it is life-threatening.

Sykes said to stay away from irritants like cigarette smoke and pet dander.

She said to try taking Claritin or Zyrtec and if those do not work, it is best to seek an ear, nose, and throat doctor.