It’s Allergy Time in Tennessee!

March 6, 2017
Stephen P. Lorino, MD
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Unfortunately for us, Knoxville is consistently ranked as a hotbed for allergies.  Most people know the symptoms well:  sneezing like crazy, itchy skin, watery eyes, and drippy nose.  As many as 40% of adults suffer from allergies.  Your immune system has an important job to defend your body from invaders that cause harm; however, when it attacks substances it shouldn’t, that’s an allergy.  Some common allergens include:  animal dander, medications, dust, pollen, trees, and molds, just to name a few.  If symptoms are mild, a good place to start for treatment is the antihistamines such as Claritin, Allegra, and Zyrtec; nasal steroid sprays; and anti-inflammatory sprays that your doctor can prescribe.  If allergies are more severe and seem to be year round, the next step is allergy testing to see what it is you are coming in contact with that your immune system doesn’t like.  Talk to your doctor to plan the best course of treatment for you.