Whether it’s sneezing and coughing or itchy eyes and a runny nose, seasonal allergies are frustrating. To help you understand what causes these issues—and what you can do about it—the ear, nose, and throat doctors at Arizona Coast Ear, Nose, Throat, Allergy, & Sleep Medicine in Lake Havasu City answer four frequently asked questions.

4 Seasonal Allergy FAQ

1. What Are the Symptoms of Seasonal Allergies?

Seasonal allergies manifest in several ways. Most ear, nose, and throat doctors describe the most common symptoms as having a runny nose, itchy or watery eyes, sneezing, coughing, itchy nasal passage, or throat and ear congestion. Other people with seasonal allergies may suffer from headaches, shortness of breath, or wheezing.

2. What Causes Seasonal Allergies?

Seasonal allergies are caused by several factors, including the weather and environment you live in. Some of the most common causes include pollen, mold, ragweed, and trees. When you breathe these in, they irritate your sinus cavities.

3. How Are They Different From a Cold?

It can be easy to mistake seasonal allergies for a cold because the symptoms of the two conditions are incredibly similar. However, if you have a regular cold, you likely will have a fever and be contagious. Additionally, seasonal allergies can come on suddenly and subside just as fast, whereas traditional colds last one to two weeks.

4. How Do You Treat Seasonal Allergies?

There are several ways to help reduce your seasonal allergies. First, visit a professional ear, nose, and throat doctor to find out what triggers you’re sensitive to. One of the easiest ways to subdue allergy symptoms is by avoiding the allergen. However, medication helps treat most symptoms if exposed.

If you’ve been struggling with seasonal allergies, schedule an appointment with a specialist at Arizona Coast Ear, Nose, Throat, Allergy, & Sleep Medicine. This practice will diagnose and treat several conditions, from allergies to sleep disorders. To learn more about their ear, nose, and throat doctors, call (928) 854-5368 or visit their website.