Allergies

It’s that time of year when everyone starts sneezing and sniffling.  Allergy season in Oklahoma!  Allergies are a reaction to allergens.  Anything can be an allergen including medications, foods, pet dander, pollen, or anything else.  The reaction you have is your body’s way of saying “NO THANK YOU!”  Sadly, you can develop an allergy to anything at any time, even things you have used every day for years!  

Allergic reactions often consist of:

• Runny nose, usually clear but occasionally yellow
• Congestion and sinus pain, sometimes causing headache
• Itchy eyes, often red
• Itchy, scratchy throat and mouth
• Sometimes itchy other places
• Cough, clearing the throat

Allergies should not cause body aches, fever, deep or constant cough, chest heaviness, thick or dark mucus, or other more severe symptoms.

If you are not sure about what you have, allergies or a cold, feel free to come by.  Your friendly neighborhood nurse practitioner can help you tell the difference and offer suggestions on what you can do to start feeling better.  Come by and see us!