Environmental allergies happen when the immune system overreacts to substances in the environment that are usually harmless. Common symptoms include sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, itchy or watery eyes, postnasal drip, coughing, and throat or skin itching. Some people may also have fatigue or worsening asthma symptoms. Environmental allergens can be seasonal, such as tree pollen in the spring, grass pollen in the summer, and weed pollen in the fall, or year-round (perennial), such as dust mites, mold, and pet dander.
To evaluate environmental allergies, your care team will review your symptoms, their timing, possible triggers, and will likely recommend allergy testing. This is most commonly done via skin testing, where small amounts of allergens are placed on or under the skin during your appointment. In select circumstances, blood tests that measure allergy-related antibodies may be performed instead of or in addition to skin testing. Treatment options may include avoiding known triggers whenever possible, medications such as antihistamines, nasal sprays, or eyedrops to control symptoms, and allergen immunotherapy (allergy shots) for long-term symptom relief. The goal of treatment is to reduce symptoms, improve quality of life, and help prevent complications such as sinus infections or asthma flares.
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