With Spring Come Seasonal Allergies Ira Finegold, MD, St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center, New York Spring, the harbinger of many good things, is a treacherous time for patients with seasonal allergies. While others are carefree, strolling through fields of daffodils, seasonal allergy sufferers are strolling through the pharmacy looking for relief from sneezing and itchy eyes. The American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology reports that an estimated 35 million Americans currently suffer from seasonal allergies, and since allergies can lead to other chronic conditions, such as asthma, they should not be taken lightly.
Plants reproduce sexually by spreading pollen from one flower to another.
Some plants have beautiful, scented flowers that attract insects, and the insects spread pollen around as they move from flower to flower. Other plants produce unscented flowers that don't interest insects, and these plants rely on the wind to move pollen around. As the pollen releases into the air, it is inhaled by humans and animals. If you are one of the 35 million Americans who have seasonal allergies, this pollen can be the cause of major illness. Finding the culprit of your discomfort Treatment begins with an accurate diagnosis.