Hay Fever Treatment in Alpharetta

A History of Hay Fever in Alpharetta

Hay fever is an allergic response to pollen, such as tree, grass and weed pollen, that causes symptoms like congestion, irritated eyes, sneezing, runny nose and itchy ears. If you live in the Alpharetta area, it is likely that you are familiar with these symptoms or know someone who has struggled with them.

Some cases can be triggered during specific seasons while others can cause symptoms year-round. While the term may be a household name now, it was not always so well-understood. Here is a brief history of the evolution of hay fever as the condition relates to the Alpharetta area.

Today, the allergists at the Center for Allergy and Asthma of Georgia are committed to providing top hay fever treatment, so there will be no need for history to repeat itself and no need for sufferers to feel hopeless any longer.

Seasonal Changes Have Historically Been the First Warning Sign

A man named John Bostock who is credited for “discovering” hay fever presented a study called Case of a Periodical Affection of the Eyes and Chest in 1819. Bostock was not shy about his struggles with the condition. He was convinced that those who suffered with the disease experienced worsening symptoms in the fall, and pleaded his case with the doubtful medical professionals at the time. There was some resistance and uncertainty regarding what to do with his study. These symptoms had never been a topic of conversation before, and the term “allergy” was not even introduced in the medical field until 1906.

Now, we understand much more about allergies and we know that there is indeed an increase in cases of hay fever in the warmer months. These increases tend to begin in the spring and continue even after summer has ended. Hay fever affects close to 18 million Americans and is becoming increasingly more common in Alpharetta due to high pollen counts in the area.

The Term “Hay Fever” Has Always Been Misleading

By the 1860s, “hay fever” and “hay asthma” were widely accepted terms in the medical community. While Bostock’s instincts were ahead of his time regarding allergies and the symptoms of hay fever, some of his theories were certainly off-base. The name itself came from the idea that hay fever would strike during fall hay fest because the smell of hay irritated the body, which we now know is not relevant to the condition.

It was actually a scientist named Charles Harrison Blackley who became the first expert on allergies and the nuances of hay fever. In 1827, he began conducting experiments that identified pollen as a major cause of hay fever symptoms. Despite the improper name of hay fever, it is due to his discovery that we are able to properly treat our patients today.

Society’s Transition to an Indoor Lifestyle Made Allergies Worse

At first thought, it might not seem logical that increased time spent indoors would lead to more cases of hay fever. However, by 1990, the symptoms studied the century before became more relevant than ever. In areas where children had adopted and indoor lifestyle and spent more time in their houses or traveling in cars, children began to develop hay fever and breathing issues associated with allergies in epidemic numbers. This could be related to diet, decreased physical activity, shallow breathing or other newly formed habits that became the norm.

Primarily indoor lifestyles are still prevalent across the United States, but specifically in Georgia. According to a study conducted by Drivemode Research Lab, drivers in Atlanta and surrounding areas like Alpharetta spend more time in the car than commuters in almost every other big city. Our allergists at the Center for Allergy and Asthma of Georgia are dedicated to providing comprehensive care for the Alpharetta community to help our patients make lasting lifestyle changes that will help their hay fever symptoms for the long haul.

A Glance into the Future of Hay Fever Treatment in Alpharetta

Now that you understand more about the background of the prominent hay fever, let’s look to the future to see how our treatments are providing allergy relief. We provide testing for hay fever and for a wide range of allergic conditions, like hives and dermatitis.

When it comes to hay fever testing, we use a variety of techniques to ensure the most accurate result possible. Most commonly, this includes skin tests. In some cases, we may use intradermal testing or blood testing. We work closely with our patients to determine which testing method will provide the best results. If we find that you are affected by hay fever or another allergic condition, our medical team will provide an individualized treatment plan that is right for you, and we will ensure that you are ready to step outside and breathe clearly every day of the year.

If you think you may be suffering from hay fever or another allergic condition, there is no need to struggle alone. To schedule a same-day appointments and next-day appointmentswith an allergist in Alpharetta, call the Center for Allergy and Asthma of Georgia today at (770) 459-0620 or contact us online.