Seasonal Allergies Quiz

If you have allergies, you know the routine. With the first signs of spring, the predictable symptoms of sneezing, itching, congestion and watery eyes soon follow and may continue until the first frost. Approximately one-third of adults in the Midwest have allergies due to the prevalence of trees, weeds and grasses. Don’t let allergies put a crimp on your lifestyle. Take this quiz and Sara May, MD, allergist and immunologist at Nebraska Medicine, will arm you with the facts you need to minimize allergy symptoms this fall. 

And don't forget, if you're suffering from allergies, please call 800.922.0000 to speak with an allergy specialist today.
Children outgrow environmental allergies.
Allergies can be life threatening.
Allergy shots don’t work.
Moving to states in the southwest will not have an impact on your allergies.
Nasal sprays have many side effects.
You can develop seasonal allergies at anytime during your life.
If my parents have seasonal allergies, I will be more likely to have allergies.
There’s really no need to see a doctor for my allergies.
Having allergies puts you at greater risk for developing asthma later in life.

Tips to Minimize Your Allergy Symptoms

Dr. May offers these additional tips to keep your allergies at bay this fall.

Allergies don’t have to put a crimp on your lifestyle. There are some things you can do to minimize allergy symptoms.

  • As the weather warms, keep windows closed to avoid letting pollen inside and run the air conditioner to circulate air. Tree pollens are especially hardy. Once they get inside your home, they can last for months.
  • Begin allergy medications and nasal sprays before the start of allergy season to reduce the severity of symptoms.
  • Check the daily weather report for local pollen and mold counts. When counts are high, stay indoors or reduce outdoor activity. Pollen counts are usually highest on warm, dry, windy days and in the early morning.
  • Use nasal washes to rinse allergens from inside the lining of your nose.
  • Avoid yard work such as raking wet leaves, mowing the grass or handling gardening material like compost and mulch. And remember, pollen can travel for miles; so reducing trees in your own yard is not practical.
  • Wash your skin, hair and clothing after being outside.