OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) – OU health officials say this is the worst season to fight the disease.

Doctors at OU Health are seeing an increasing number of patients suffering from allergies. He blames the increase in pollen, rapid climate change and the decline in mask wearing.

“It seems like almost every year, things are getting worse in Oklahoma. It’s a problem and something we’re seeing more and more,” said Dr. Edward El Rassi, assistant professor in the Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery at OU Health.

Dr. Edward El Rassi at OU Health says the rapid change in weather has a lot to do with sick patients, and the pollen count in Oklahoma is through the roof, making patients even more sick.

“I think there has been a rapid change in climate in the past, it seems like a month or two, so this could cause this to change slowly,” El Rassi said.

Over the past few years, masks have become popular, but now they are being used less and less and patients are seeing more allergies.

“Now that the use of the mask is decreasing, patients are seeing more… patients are kind of recovering, so to speak,” El Rassi said.

El Rassi says some patients believe their problem is allergies, but in reality, they are suffering from sinus infections.

It’s like fighting sinus infections every day of your life. It has similar symptoms…and the patients have other treatments, medications and surgeries. I have seen patients who have been treated for many years and it is much more than that,” said El Rassi.

There are several things you can do if you are struggling with allergies. Dr. El Rassi says that you can use a nasal net pot as needed, an internasal steroid that is a daily medication, or you can take an oral antihistamine such as Allegra or Zyrtec.

“For some people, taking the pill is a little easier than the nasal steroid spray. We know that doing both is not as effective as using the nasal steroid spray. So, the nasal spray is often the best option, if you want to choose.” one,” said El Rassi.

Allergy tests, shots and drops are another option if you are struggling with allergies; just consult your doctor before taking any action.

There are also other drug-based treatments. OU health officials encourage you to talk to your primary care physician, ear, nose and throat doctor if you are suffering from allergies.



Source link