C/V ENT Surgical Group's Resources

For some, it seems like allergy season is a year-round event. When symptoms strike, the most common assumption is that it’s a cold or mild respiratory infection when it really could be seasonal allergies or something else.

If you normally experience allergy or cold symptoms multiple times a year, read this to learn the signs, differences, and treatment considerations.

During the summer, most people spend more time outdoors to enjoy the heat, scenic views, seasonal activities, and sunny weather. The season is also one of the most dreaded times of the year for people with certain allergies. Elevated temperatures and humidity levels contribute to many people's frequent, acute, and chronic allergy symptoms.

It’s estimated that over 50 million people experience seasonal allergies or also known as hay fever symptoms at least once in their lifetime. As prevalent as allergies are, they are not usually life-threatening. Typically, symptoms are manageable with careful considerations to avoid triggers. But some individuals experience persistent or severe allergy symptoms that affect practically every aspect of their lives, including shortness of breath and sleep. Many of these symptoms are not solely influenced by weather, though many people believe otherwise.

Anyone in Los Angeles who thinks they’re safe from allergies may be in for a rude surprise. Despite having a subtropical climate most of the year, the area is also prone to dry, hot air, rainy and cool weather, leaving many Angelenos feeling like their allergies are driving them crazy. Whether it is food allergies, environmental, or nature-related, an ENT doctor can provide relief, especially if these symptoms coincide with sinus infections or cause nasal, ear, or throat pain, blockages, congestion, or structural abnormalities.

Spring is coming to an end. For some people, that means some much-needed relief from their allergies. For others, relief may still seem a long way off, especially if their allergy symptoms persist year-round or become more severe during the summer.

If you suffer from allergic rhinitis, hay fever, or allergies that tend to flare in the summer, you may feel apprehensive about the months to come. You should consider your situation from a preventative standpoint. The longer it takes you to gain control over your summer allergies, the more difficult it can become to treat them.

Allergies affect millions of people worldwide. Some individuals do not realize that those mild cold-like symptoms or swollen lymph nodes they experience may indicate an underlying condition. Some find it easy to manage their symptoms with diet and lifestyle changes, and others rely on remedies and medications. Some are not fully aware of managing their symptoms, mainly if they occur seasonally.