NATIONWIDE STUDY RANKS KNOXVILLE WORST FOR SPRING ALLERGIES
If you are suffering from allergies this spring, you are not alone. According to a recent study, Knoxville was rated first in a nation-wide Spring Allergy Capitals study by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA).

AAFA is a nonprofit group that annually correlates the number of sinus suffers with the pollen scores that are unique to various areas. Knoxville typically ranks in the top ten each year for being a difficult place for those allergies.

“Complicated sinus patients frequently have significant allergic rhinitis” said Dr. Mark Overholt. “If this factor is overlooked, their long term improvement is compromised. We believe that allergy management is a critical aspect toward assuring that our patients have the best possible outcomes.”

This area that we call home is known for offering a variety of outdoor activities. Its proximity to the mountains and lakes make it hard for someone to completely escape allergens that intensify each spring.

Not only does the Knoxville area have many types of pollen that cause allergies to react, but its location geographically in the valley traps allergens from escaping past the mountains that surround us.

Just as with any medical condition, it’s important to know your body and how it reacts. For those who suffer from allergies year-round, allergy testing is available to help in creating an allergy relief action plan.

An allergy skin test is performed in a medical office by someone who is specifically trained to introduce and measure the effects a person has toward common allergens such as trees, weeds, grasses, molds and feathers.

“The severe allergy sufferers I see who make the commitment to have allergy testing are glad that they did,” said Dr. Jim Seals. “A patient’s individual test results along with the education they receive in our office increases their understanding of what they can do to manage the triggers of their allergies.”

Those with severe allergies may be encouraged to consider having allergy shots. The prescription for allergy shots is unique to each individual patient and is based on their allergy testing results.

“Getting allergy shots requires a strong commitment on the part of the patient. Those patients who persevere have benefited from an improved quality of life and can then enjoy outdoor activities again” said Dr. Taite Seals.