More than 50 million Americans suffer from allergies each year says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. MPB's Jasmine Ellis reports on what Mississippians need to know this allergy season.
Experts in Mississippi say that the environment, lifestyle choices, and pre-genetic dispositions are the reasons why the state ranks high for people affected by seasonal allergies. Dr. Gailen Marshall is with the University of Mississippi Medical Center. He says if a person knows that they suffer from allergies then they should take their medicine before they start showing symptoms.
"This is not like an antibiotic that you take for an infection... you take it long enough, you feel better, then you're done and you're finished," said Marshall. "These medicines are controlling your symptoms. Almost all these medicines we take they will not cure our allergies they control the symptoms of our allergies. And if we understand that then they will be much more effective."
Dr. Marshall says tree pollen and mold are the most problematic for those suffering from seasonal allergies.
The city of Jackson ranks second for the most challenging places to live with spring allergies this year. That's according to a report from the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Angel Waldron is with the Foundation.
"We want to encourage folks to find a physician or healthcare provider that specializes in allergies so you can be tested first off because it's important to know what's causing your symptoms," said Waldron. "And then once you know what triggers your allergies, you can develop a treatment plan around it so you're not suffering through the spring."
Dr. Marshall says recognizing and minimizing exposure to allergy triggers could help with the symptoms without having to take medication.
