Allergy Treatment Important for Year Round Wellness

A workplace filled with sneezing in spring, summer or fall may indicate workers are fighting seasonal allergies. And allergies can be serious. It’s wrong to think in terms of grin and bear it. Without treatment, allergies can cause sinus and ear infections, asthma, night-time breathing and sleep problems, and more may result. For adults, allergies are the fifth leading chronic disease and a major cause of lost days at work, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. The result: nearly four million missed workdays or lower output days, at a cost to business productivity of at least $700 million each year. Seasonal allergies occur when the human body treats something harmless, such as pollen or mold, as though it were a toxic substance. The immune system tries to rid the body of the pollen in the same way it gets rid of harmful germs, by sneezing, making mucus and causing nasal tissues to swell. It can be tough to rid the workplace of something carried by the air. However, employers can help by urging employees to see a doctor who can rule out major health concerns. Age, health risks and chronic health problems may exclude using certain drugs sold over the counter. A doctor can advise which drugs can be used for treating allergy symptoms without causing harmful side effects. An allergist can pinpoint what’s causing all that sneezing. He or she may prescribe stronger drugs or even allergy shots. Shots expose the patient to tiny amounts of the matter causing problems. Over time, the body becomes less sensitive to pollen and other symptom triggers. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas can help. For more info on allergies, log on to Blue Access® for Employers to see Blue Resource materials, including additional information on seasonal allergies.

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