Beech Tree News Network

Like many others, I recently have experienced an allergy overload. My usual just-aggravating allergies turned into a sinus and ear infection. Even my eyes were watery. However, one trip to the doctor resulted in a much improved me.

While watching others in the doctor’s office waiting room, I wondered what had brought them to the doctor on such a beautiful June day. Of course, I don’t know that answer; but, an article on Health Digezt called “Common Summer Illnesses” (http://www.healthdigezt.com/common-summer-illnesses/) listed seven illnesses more common in the summer than at other times in the year. Those illnesses included: asthma attacks (an increase in pollen and pollution), swimmer’s ear, food poisoning, hyperthermia, coxsackie virus (causes hand, foot, and mouth disease), lyme disease, and poison ivy, oak and sumac. Truthfully, I think I’d rather deal with my allergies.

I told my daughter (an RN) that when a person has allergies, deciding when to see a doctor can be a hard call. Most people don’t want to take antibiotics unnecessarily; but, we also don’t want to feel terrible. My decision point is when I start to run a low-grade fever. At that point, I realize my immune system may need a little help (After all, it does have some age on it.).

I also did some research on the population who have allergies. “Allergy Statistics and Facts” on WebMD (http://www.webmd.com/allergies/allergy-statistics) included some of the following information:
•    Number of people in the U.S. who have either allergy or asthma symptoms: one in five.
•    Percentage of the U.S. population that tests positive to one or more allergens: 55%.
•    Rank of allergies among other leading chronic diseases in the U.S.: 5th.
•    Odds that a child with one allergic parent will develop allergies: 33%.
•    Percentage of U.S. households with one or more dogs: 39%.
•    Percentage of U.S. households with one or more cats: 33%.
•    Percentage of all U.S. households with detectable levels of dog and cat dander: 100%.
•    Number of people with chronic allergy-like symptoms -- runny nose, congestion and cough -- but who have nonallergic rhinitis instead: one out of three.
It seems that allergies in the U.S. are very common. Additionally, in 2014, Louisville, Kentucky, was identified as the most challenging place to live with allergies, and Memphis, Tennessee, was a close second (http://www.healthline.com/health-slideshow/worst-cities-for-allergies#4).

David Lee Roth once said, “The only thing I'm allergic to is criticism” (http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/allergic.html#dti4tO0DfooOYhl...). Roth, the original Van Halen lead singer, is obviously one of the four in five who do not suffer from allergies. He is blessed. But, as I said earlier, one trip to the doctor usually helps me to turn the corner, leaving allergy overload behind. I’m just thankful that help is readily available.