If you are experiencing seasonal allergies and you live here in SW Florida you aren’t alone. Allergy medication both over the counter and prescription are a huge seller for Floridians. Itchy eyes, watery noses, headachy feelings, and foggy thoughts are detrimental to daily life and we collectively spend millions of dollars trying to get our heads clear once again sometimes successfully, sometimes not. Often a doctors visit is needed as over the counter remedies tend to fail over time because our bodies become accustomed.

So what IS it that is in the air that is making us all so sneezy, sniffly and headachey? Let’s take a look at the top three likely allergy triggers in our area.

#1 Ragweed – This pollen can blow hundreds of miles and wreak havoc on sinuses. Approximately 75% of people who have randomized plant allergies the culprit is ragweed. If you happen to have any ragweed growing on your property, have it removed before it blooms.

#2 Mold – Florida is a humid state. Mold grows quickly and easily and spreads just as readily. Spores dry and float off into the air and end up in your sinuses. This can trigger allergy attacks that are off the charts annoying to deal with and even debilitate you leaving you miserable for hours or days at a time. Make sure to look inside of your home (showers and tubs, walls that could have been wet, air conditioners, and ductwork) as well as clearing debris from around your yard and not allowing it to sit, gathering moisture (leaves and debris, old rotting wood).

#3 Tree, Bush and Flower Allergies – Oak trees, mulberry bushes, oleander blooms, nettle palms, juniper trees, poinciana trees, even Australian pine. So many of our plants can cause reaction and in Florida, something is always blooming.

What can you do to help quell reaction?

1. Visit www.pollen.com to see what the pollen forecast is for the day. If its medium or high, keep doors and windows closed and turn on the air conditioning.

1. Make sure to regularly change the HEPA filter on your AC unit to keep air as fresh as possible.

1. Consider using a dehumidifier in your home. This limits the possibility of mold growth and helps keep air dry which is easier on your entire respiratory system.

1. If you do work outside, wear a mask it will drastically improve symptoms by blocking the allergens from ever reaching your sinus passages.

1. Consult with an Immunologist (Allergy doctor) and find out exactly what it is you are allergic too. They can then prescribe the correct medication to combat that allergen.

1. Wash your hands and face as soon as you come in from the outside.

If you are looking for a good immunologist or general physician in Lee County, Florida please feel free to use the Independent Physicians of Lee County’s directory. It is a free resource that can be found at www.ipalc.org/find or you may call their Physician Referral Hotline by dialing 239-314-0791.