Allergy Season Is Hazardous to Your Health But Not Because of Allergies
It’s due to more dangerous drivers. Research has found an increase in fatal accidents during allergy season. Pollen can result in runny noses, full sinuses, watery eyes, and less sleep. These physical responses, along with the possible effects of allergy medications, can make those with allergies tired, distracted, and more dangerous behind the wheel.
Orange County car accident attorney Aaron Hicks helps injury victims cope with medical bills, psychological harm, and lost income. He can be one of the professionals putting your life back together.
Call our office at (949) 541-9944 or fill out our confidential contact form to schedule a free consultation regarding your auto accident with Mr. Hicks directly today.
What are Seasonal Allergies?
About 50 million Americans have seasonal allergies, according to Yale Medicine. Symptoms can include:
- Itchy, watery eyes
- A scratchy throat
- A stuffy, runny nose
The severity depends on the person. Triggers, known as allergens, can include:
- Tree pollen
- Grass
- Mold
- Ragweed
Your immune system overreacts when your body encounters something you’re allergic to. What may be harmless is treated as a threat to your health. Your immune system releases chemicals that cause symptoms, which are meant to flush these perceived threats out of your body.
If you’re allergic to pollen after you breathe it in:
- It gets trapped in your nasal passages
- It sticks to your mucus membranes
- Causing inflammation and irritation to your nose and eyes
If you have extreme allergies, you may have difficulty breathing, and you may develop asthma.
How are Seasonal Allergies Treated?
Seasonal allergies are treated in different ways. Over-the-counter and prescription antihistamines suppress your immune response and reduce your symptoms. Decongestants can relieve congestion. Over-the-counter cough medications may also provide relief.
Antihistamine or steroidal nose sprays may be prescribed. If your allergies are severe enough, you may use immunotherapy, which involves injections.
What are the Side Effects of Allergy Medications?
The Cleveland Clinic states that, depending on what’s used and how the patient responds, allergy medication side effects can include:
- Drowsiness
- Blurred or double vision
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Low blood pressure
- Rapid heart rate
- Headache
- Confusion in the elderly
Using allergy medications and drinking alcohol can worsen these side effects and make you drowsy to the point you can’t safely drive.
Are People With Severe Seasonal Allergies More Dangerous When Driving?
Those with severe allergies are more likely to cause vehicle accidents, according to research published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology in 2017. The study involved 3850 patients who described their condition:
- 48.0% of symptoms were persistent and moderate to severe
- 25.4% of symptoms were intermittent and mild
- 17.9% of symptoms were intermittent and moderate to severe
- 8.8% of symptoms were persistent and mild
Participants were also asked how tired they felt. The results are the following:
- 39.4% were at risk of reduced awareness when driving
- 30.3% of the patients had moderate to severe drowsiness
- 24.4% were at a high risk of having an accident
- 18.8% had signs of sleepiness
- 3.6% felt sleepy but remained awake without effort
- 2% felt sleepy and needed to make efforts to stay awake
Traffic fatalities increase in American cities when allergens are especially high, according to research published in the National Bureau of Economic Research in March. Researchers stated that traffic deaths happen most frequently on the weekends when most of us need not drive to work, so many of these fatalities may have been preventable if those heavily affected by allergies stayed off the road. “…this study finds evidence that a prevalent and (temporary external) health shock, namely pollen allergies, increases traffic fatalities.”
Aaron Hicks is an Orange County Vehicle Accident Lawyer You Can Trust
If another party causes an accident that causes injuries to you or a loved one, Aaron Hicks at the Hicks Law Firm will help in any way he can. He is an experienced car accident attorney representing clients throughout Orange County and Southern California, including Costa Mesa, Irvine, Tustin, Newport Beach, and Huntington Beach.
Aaron Hicks has represented many injured plaintiffs and looks forward to helping you, too. Call us at 949-541-9944 or complete our online contact form so our car accident lawyers can discuss your case, your options, and how we can help.
Aaron Hicks is a civil trial attorney and founder of Hicks Law Firm, based in Orange County with offices in San Diego and Tennessee. His practice includes representing plaintiffs in personal injury cases including motor vehicle accidents, premises liability, dog bites and wrongful death. Mr. Hicks is and AV Rated attorney, Super Lawyer and is currently on the Board of Directors of the Orange County Trial Lawyers Association where he serves as 1st Vice President.
