Does the sight of leaves budding on trees cause you to cower? Are you afraid of the fragrant flowers that are emerging all around?

For allergy sufferers those and other signs of spring mean stuffed noses, red eyes, and other discomforts. DukeHealth.org’s resources can help you weather the worst of it -- or at least understand why you feel so miserable.

Follow the links below for information and advice about seasonal allergies.

• All about allergies
• Allergic rhinitis (hay fever)
• Causes
• Treatments

Allergy Facts

• Allergic rhinitis affects between 20 and 40 million Americans of all ages. As with asthma and many upper respiratory infections, the incidence of allergic rhinitis is increasing.
• Acupuncture may provide symptom relief for persistent allergic rhinitis in children, according to results published in a 2004 pediatrics journal. The study compared the effects of active versus sham acupuncture. Larger trials are needed to confirm these results.
• Asthma and allergies often coexist, and allergic response plays a strong role in childhood asthma. About 70 - 85 percent of children with asthma have allergies. Aggressive treatment of allergies in children with asthma can lower the risk for asthma attacks. Treating allergies in children may also help prevent the onset of asthma.