As summer approaches and allergens begin to fill the air, many people are plagued by runny noses, itchy eyes and scratchy throats. Dr. Oz, his wife, Lisa, and Dr. Roizen talk with Dr. Jordan Josephson, author of Sinus Relief Now, about why more people than ever have more allergies and about ways to find relief.
Because of the effects pollution and global warming have on the environment, Dr. Josephson says allergies are getting worse every year. "The seasons are getting longer and stronger—the environment is changing," he says.
In addition, Dr. Josephson says allergies are becoming more common in adults. "Years ago, we used to think allergies [affected] kids, but now we are having people in their 20s to 50s who never had allergies before," Dr. Josephson says. "The reason is because of all the pollutants—they are combining with the allergens and causing superantigens, which are bringing out allergies in people that never had allergies before."
Dr. Josephson says there are many simple things you can do to lessen the severity of your allergy and sinus issues, including getting allergy shots, using a neti pot and keeping your home clean. But he says it's most important to see a doctor who can diagnose you properly. "It's really important for patients to understand what their symptoms are so they can tell their doctor, who, in turn, can make a more accurate diagnosis and target the therapies, both Eastern and Western, to give you the best treatment medically that you could possibly have." Dr. Josephson says.
