Local doctors discuss springtime allergies

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Springtime traditionally starts with the spring equinox and, around here, with pollen. 

With pollen comes allergies. And local allergists are explaining what allergies are like in the Tennessee Valley. 

“We are about to hit the spring allergy season. I know a lot of people are allergic to oak and hackberry and all sorts of different tree pollens,” said Dr. Taylor Atchley, Allergist at the Allergy and Asthma Group of Galen.

 Dr. Atchley explains just how allergies can affect you. 

“Allergies cause rhinitis, which is inflammation of the nose, and the upper airway is up here in the sinus,” said Dr. Atchley. “That bothers folks as far as their quality of life because it causes nasal congestion and runny nose.” 

 According to the CDC, 33% of U.S. adults and 25% U.S. children dealt with allergies in 2023. 

 Dr. Atchley says allergies can even cause serious problems to someone’s health. 

“It can cause poor sleep. It can, in general, make folks absolutely miserable. and to me, that is very serious,” Dr. Atchley said. “That is important to why I am in the business of, improving someone’s quality of life. But when someone has asthma that is when these allergies, they can be more dangerous.”

Symptoms of Allergies can include sneezing, stuffy nose, headaches and itchy eyes. 

However, Dr Atchley recommends seeing your local allergist for treatment options that will help you fight allergies. 

“I want to let people know they do not have to be miserable when allergy season hits. They can come see us, we can identify what they are allergic to and tailor treatment options for them to help improve them,” Dr. Atchley concluded.