Seasonal Allergies May Interfere with Education

As the summer comes to a close, many of us are readying ourselves for another academic year. Whether you’re a parent getting your kids ready or attending school yourself, you want to feel prepared. There are so many factors to consider before starting a new schoolyear, but have you thought about how you might be affected by seasonal allergies?

Seasonal allergies affect as many as 40% of youth in the United States. Though the height of San Diego’s allergy season is the spring, seasonal allergies can effect individuals differently throughout the year. This is especially true for those who are being introduced to a new environment for the first time.

Allergies occur when an allergen such as pollens, dust mite, molds, or danders are recognized as a threat. Though these substances are typically harmless, the immune system initiates a hypersensitive response in an attempt to eliminate the allergen from your system. This manifests in the following symptoms:

• Sneezing
• Running nose/post-nasal drip
• Wheezing
• Coughing
• Irritation of the skin, eyes, nose, lungs, throat or sinuses
• Watery eyes

Everyday, approximately 10,000 US students stay home from school due to these symptoms. These symptoms may occur at anytime of the year, and students may have a higher risk of exposure to news allergens. This is especially relevant if students attend field trips or have recently relocated to the area. If this is true for yourself or a loved one, you would likely benefit from allergy testing. Allergy testing can be completed at the office of your local ear, nose and throat doctor. There, an ENT specialist will administer either a skin prick test or blood test in order to determine your reaction to various allergens.

If an allergic reaction is detected, your doctor will assist you in managing or eliminating your symptoms. Located in San Diego, our clinic utilizes the latest advancements in the industry to develop a personalized treatment plan. Allergy treatments include medication, non-pharmacologic therapy and immunotherapy.

When left untreated, allergies can create a fog over your daily activities and place additional strain on academic endeavors. By taking charge of seasonal allergies, you can ensure these symptoms don’t interfere with school performance. To learn more about seasonal allergies, we welcome you to contact us at (858) 909-0770.