Allergies are the body’s way of saying it doesn’t like the stuff going in, whether through eating, breathing or touching. There are many things that cause allergies; the most common include pollen, dust mites, mold, animal dander, insect stings, latex and certain food and medication. The culprits of springtime allergies are most often pollen and dust.

According to the National Academy on an Aging Society, hay fever is the fifth most common chronic disease, topped by orthopedic problems, sinusitis, high blood pressure and arthritis.

Allergy symptoms range from mild eye irritation and congestion to a more severe reaction causing generalized swelling and difficulty breathing. If someone with allergies also suffers from asthma, reactions can become much worse. In the spring and summer trees, grasses, weeds and ragweed release their pollen. Those who are sensitive have an immune system that sends an army of histamines, or chemicals that trigger inflammation in the sinuses, nose and eyes, to attack. Symptoms of this attack include sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion and itchy, watery eyes.

Treatments include over-the-counter and prescription antihistamines such as Benadryl, Clarinex, Zyrtec or Allegra; oral decongestants like Sudafed; nasal decongestants like Afrin and Dristan; steroidnasal sprays including Beconase, Rhinocort, Nasonex, Flonase and Veramyst and drugs that combine antihistamines and decongestants like Allegra-D, Claritin-D or Zyrtec-D. Allergy shots, also called immunotherapy, are also an option.

To prevent allergies and hay fever, follow these suggestions by WebMD:

• Stay indoors on dry, hot windy days or when pollen counts are high, closing windows and using air conditioning.
  
  
• Stay indoors between 5 a.m. and 10 a.m., when pollen counts are usually highest.
  
  
• Cover air-conditioning vents with cheesecloth to filter pollen.
  
  
• Use high-efficiency particulate air filters (HEPA).
  
  
• Clean air filters frequently and air ducts at least once a year.
  
  
• Keep windows closed when driving in the car.
  
  
• Set the air conditioner in a car to use recirculated air.
  
  
• Minimize walks in wooded areas or gardens.
  
  
• Wear a mask when mowing the lawn or gardening.
  
  
• Don’t hang linens or clothes out to dry.