Primary Care Dermatology Module. Nomenclature of Skin Lesions. Developed by Gary Williams, M.D. and Murray Katcher, M.D. Ph.D, Department of Pediatrics. with funding and support from the Wisconsin Area Health Education Center (AHEC) System.
A Discovery Health answered. The Food and Drug Administration estimates that there are approximately 36 million people in the United States who suffer from seasonal allergies. This condition is also called by its common name of hay fever, or, by its technical name, allergic rhinitis. While it may provide little comfort, the pollen that you are reacting to is actually harmless. The runny noses, scratchy eyes and headaches you endure actually result from a case of mistaken identity. Your body believes that the pollen in the air is actually dust mites or fungal spores. In response, it releases histamine-a natural chemical that is part of the body's immune system response.
Airborne pollen is the most common cause of seasonal allergies, also known as hay fever or allergic rhinitis. Early arrival after a mild winter has spawned high levels of pollen, and means allergy season will linger weeks longer. Both 2011 and 2012 reported record-breaking pollen numbers, and this season will likely break those records. Needless to say, sales of allergy medications of all kinds are booming.