Common Questions

If My Parents Have Allergies, Will I Have Allergies?
You can inherit the tendency to have allergies just as you can inherit blue eyes and curly hair. If one parent has allergies, you have a 20% to 40% chance of developing allergies. If both parents have allergies, your chance of having allergies ranges from 50-70%.

How does My Provider Know if I have allergies?
Several ways:

	Allergic Shiners – dark circles under the eyes
	Nasal Crease – A line on your nose which forms from frequent rubbing
	Mucus – Clear usually means allergy, yellow or green usually means infection
	Skin Test – A small amount of allergen is placed just under the skin, an allergy will cause a red bump to appears within 30 minutes

What can I do to avoid seasonal allergies?
Allergies can be serious, that’s why it’s important to speak to your CMP provider about treatment, however, here are some tips to keep in mind when you have seasonal allergies:

	Keep windows closed in your home and car
	Use an air conditioner and change or clean the filters frequently
	Stay inside as much as possible, particularly between 5 am and 10 am when most pollen is emitted
	Don’t exercise during early morning hours when pollen is at its peak
	Avoid yard work and stay away from freshly cut grass. If this is not possible, wear a pollen mask and goggles, a long-sleeved shirt, a hat and gloves while mowing the grass. Remember to change clothes and shower after you mow to remove remaining grass pollen.
	Wash pillowcases often

Can Allergies Cause Sinus Problems?
Yes – hay fever can cause sinusitis by blocking the sinus openings that normally allow drainage. Your provider can diagnose sinusitis and can treat it with decongestants or other types of treatment.

Will There Ever Be A Cure for Allergies?
Research into the causes is going on constantly, let’s keep our fingers crossed! In the meantime, Remember, you don’t have to suffer. See your doctor and tell him or her about all of your symptoms. There are many forms of allergy treatment that may be able to lessen your allergy symptoms.

Source: AllerDays Allergy Guide, courtesy of Aventis Pharmaceuticals.

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