Atlantic County Times

• More than 23 million people in the U.S. suffer from allergic rhinitis, also known as hay fever.
• Ragweed allergy is a common cause of hay fever.
• Fortunately, there are several treatment options available for allergy sufferers.

As New Jersey enters its peak ragweed season, a physician with Accent Sinus Center & Head & Neck Group is encouraging allergy sufferers to seek treatment.

Dr. Nicola DeLorio told the Atlantic County Times that untreated allergies can lead or contribute to other sinus problems.

“A large portion of people with allergies do develop chronic sinusitis, and people with chronic sinusitis typically have allergies,” DeLorio said. “It may not be all of them, but it is imperative that anybody with chronic sinus issues be tested for allergies and their allergies be managed. If you don't, there's no procedure that's going to work well for that patient if they're not also managing their allergy issues.”

Knowing treatment options is important, as more than 23 million people in the U.S. have allergic rhinitis, which is also called hay fever, the Allergy & Asthma Network said. An allergy to ragweed is a major cause of allergic rhinitis. Ragweed allergy sufferers feel the peak effects of their symptoms in mid-September, and those symptoms can last until November. Ragweed plants -- which come in the form of weeds, shrubs and herbs -- grow in abundance across the country, and their pollen can be found in every state.

Common allergy symptoms include a runny nose, watery eyes, sneezing, coughing, itchy eyes and hives. People who are allergic to ragweed and have asthma could experience a flareup in asthma symptoms if they inhale the plant's pollen. Asthma-related hospitalizations spike in mid-September, thanks to ragweed pollen, according to the Allergy & Asthma Network. 

To minimize symptoms, allergy sufferers can take the following steps: Premedicate with a nasal spray or antihistamine, change clothing and take a shower after coming inside, wear a mask outdoors, keep windows and doors closed, and monitor ragweed pollen counts. People who are allergic to ragweed should also avoid certain foods that are botanically related to ragweed, including bananas, mangoes, artichokes, cucumbers, cantaloupes, watermelons, sunflower seeds and zucchini.

To diagnose allergies, doctors review the patient's symptoms and medical history, and they may recommend either a blood test or a skin test, according to WebMD. For a skin test, the doctor places a small amount of the allergen on the patient's skin, typically on the forearm or back. If the patient is allergic to that particular allergen, a small, itchy bump will appear.

Depending on the type and severity of allergies, a doctor could recommend various treatment options, according to Mayo Clinic. Some treatments options are “nonprescription or prescription medications in the form of pills or liquid, nasal sprays or eye drops,” immunotherapy, allergy shots, or for severe allergies, carrying an emergency epinephrine shot, such as an EpiPen.

For more information about allergy diagnosis and treatment, visit Accent Sinus Center & Head & Neck Group.