By Jeanine Barone L iving in Minnesota, Alan Culpepper, age 52, used to look forward to the time each year when blustery weather gives way to warm spring breezes. Not anymore, thanks to bloodshot eyes, a stuffy nose and repeated bouts of sneezing. As a sales manager, he found it nearly impossible to work effectively because of severe headaches that kept him awake at night. As the most common chronic respiratory illness, it costs Americans billions of dollars yearly. If you use tissue like it's going out of style, this list should help clear the air and dispel some of the common myths about seasonal allergies.
Seasonal allergies are simply a minor annoyance.
Some people have reactions so severe they spend their days tired and irritable and have decreased work productivity. Kids can throw temper tantrums, become hyperactive, and have problems concentrating and learning in school. Allergic rhinitis sufferers miss 4 million work and school days collectively each year, according to Dr. Mark Dykewicz, associate professor of internal medicine in the division of allergy and immunology, St. Louis University. People with seasonal allergies should just avoid pollen. Outdoor mold grows on soil, grass, fallen leaves and rotting logs.