For people with allergies, that leads to throat irritation, post-nasal drip, and the ears get backed up. "With the nasal passages backed up, they're also getting sinus infections, so I'm seeing both ear infections and sinus infections, partly as a result of allergies being hard to control."
The doctor says early signs of a sinus infection include that post-nasal drip, pressure and drainage. "Either it starts to get better, or it just starts to get worse, where you get night sweats, fever, chills, a lot of facial pain, or dental pain, feeling almost like you have a toothache."
He says sometimes antibiotics can work to knock down the sinus infection. Check with your doctor if you have those symptoms.
"Just because it's been a good growing season, the poison ivy is growing equally well, and I don't know if its a more potent oil, or what, but I'm seeing a lot more poison ivy than I have in other years."
The doctor suggested you go online to look at pictures of poison ivy and poison oak, so you know what to watch out for.
Poison ivy has thee broad, spoon-shaped leaves, but it can have more. It may grow low to the ground, or climb. Watch for a spreading vine.
Poison oak has leaves that look like oak leaves, and grows as a vine or shrub.
Poison sumac has up to 13 leaflets per leaf stem. The leaves have smooth edges and pointed tips. It can grow as a shrub or small tree.
Dr. Francis says over-the-counter creams can help ease the itch from poison ivy, but often you'll need to be seen by your doctor. Treatment can include topical or oral steroids.
