Seasonal allergies are a problem for many Americans, according to a study published by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA). It revealed that an estimated 81 million people in the U.S. were diagnosed with seasonal allergic rhinitis, also known as airborne allergies or allergic rhinitis, in 2021. Common symptoms associated with seasonal allergies include congestion, sneezing, coughing, and itchy eyes. Post-nasal drip, runny nose, and fatigue are also par for the course among most seasonal allergy sufferers. All of these are symptoms that Floridians know all too well. Because of the state’s relatively mild winters, allergy season lasts much longer in Florida than in most other states.
The Surprising High Cost of Seasonal Allergies
Along with physical discomfort, seasonal allergies are also a costly affair. The total direct medical cost of treating allergic rhinitis nationwide is over $3.4 billion annually, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Some of the key factors contributing to this astronomical cost include the following:
- Doctor and emergency room visits
- Lost productivity due to missed work or school days
- Over-the-counter and prescription medication costs
Why Bradenton Ranks as One of the Florida Cities With the Worst Allergy Season
Some Florida cities are harder hit by allergy season than others. Bradenton is one of them, according to a 2023 Allergy Capitals Report produced by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), which ranked the top 100 U.S. cities that are especially hard to live in due to seasonal allergies. Bradenton was ranked 6th out of the top 100 cities listed on the 2023 report, a noticeable increase from its 42nd ranking in 2022. That’s because the city is a proverbial hotbed of allergens. Some of the allergens common in Bradenton include the following:
- Bermuda grass
- Carolina willow
- Eastern poison ivy
- Live oak
- Perennial ryegrass
- Ragweed
- Red mulberry
- Silverling
- Spiny amaranth
Seasonal Allergies vs. the Common Cold: Understanding the Difference Between the Two
Common colds occur when viruses invade the immune system. When someone develops a cold, their immune system releases Interferon, Antibodies, Cytokines, and other chemicals to help fight off the virus so they can feel better. Unfortunately, these chemicals also trigger sneezing, coughing, runny nose, and many other symptoms that make having a cold feel miserable. Most colds last anywhere from 7 to 10 days and primarily stem from exposure to rhinoviruses, which are highly contagious. Meanwhile, seasonal allergies result from exposure to allergens, not viruses.
Individuals can struggle with allergies and associated symptoms for however long they are exposed to allergens, which could be year-round in Bradenton, Sarasota, and many Florida cities due to year-round warm temperatures and high humidity. Exposure to environmental allergens, such as pollen, prompts the release of histamines in the body. Produced by cells in the immune system, histamines can trigger many of the same symptoms synonymous with the common cold.
How To Treat Seasonal Allergies
Several over-the-counter and prescription medications can provide relief from allergy symptoms. Some of the more popular ones include the following:
- Omalizumab – Also known as Xolair, omalizumab reduces Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies produced by the immune system, which, in turn, lessen the severity of allergic responses to allergens, such as pollen. Omalizumab is available by prescription only.
- Oral corticosteroids – These prescription-only medications can reduce inflammation and even prevent severe allergic reactions caused by exposure to allergens. Commonly prescribed oral corticosteroids include dexamethasone, prednisone, and hydrocortisone.
- Decongestants – Available over-the-counter and by prescription, decongestants help shrink swollen membranes that cause stuffiness in the nose when exposed to allergens. In other words, they open airways in the nose to help restore normal, healthy breathing.
- Antihistamines – Available over-the-counter and by prescription, antihistamines help block histamine. By blocking the release of histamine, these medications relieve sneezing, itching, runny nose, and other allergy-related symptoms. Antihistamines are available in pill, liquid, tablet, and spray formulations.
HVAC Systems: How They Can Reduce Allergens in Your Home
A properly running heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system can do more than heat and cool a home. They also keep it free of allergy-triggering allergens. The filters in HVAC systems remove dust, mold, pet dander, pollen, and other allergens that might find their way into the home from outside. And it does not stop there. According to HVAC experts with One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating in Bradenton, FL, the heat pumps in these systems are also very good at reducing the production and circulation of allergens in a home. And this is in addition to warming the home when outdoor temperatures fall.
In summary, seasonal allergies and the symptoms that come with them are par for the course for most Floridians, especially those in Bradenton, Sarasota, and other Gulf Coast cities. Fortunately, there are things people can do to minimize their chances of struggling with allergies, such as taking allergy medication and ensuring the HVAC system in their homes is working as it should.