Seasonal Allergies Affect 46% of Americans, 22% Miss Work Or School Because Of It

Allergy season can be brutal for people who are affected by pollen from trees, weeds and grass, so much so that the constant congestion and itchy, watery eyes can make it harder to show up for work or school. A new Yahoo News/YouGov poll of 1,746 U.S. adults conducted between April 11-15 found that 46% of Americans have seasonal allergies, and 22% have missed work or school because of their symptoms. While allergies often begin during childhood, Dr. Sebastian Lighvani, an allergist at Northwell Lenox Hill Hospital, says they can develop at any age. But for those who have been dealing with seasonal allergies for years, it can seem like allergy season is getting progressively worse — and that’s because it is.

Environmental factors play a part, including climate change. As temperature levels rise, pollen seasons are starting earlier and lasting longer. “Unfortunately, this means patients are not only becoming more allergic but are also being exposed to a lot more allergens,” Lighvani says. That can lead to dealing with a slew of uncomfortable symptoms. Sneezing was the most common allergy symptom people reported, affecting 77% of respondents. That was followed by watery, itchy or red eyes (67%), itchy nose or throat (60%), congestion (59%), post-nasal drip or mucus that runs down back of throat (56%), coughing (46%) and fatigue (35%).

Source: Yahoo