Many people would take a pay cut to escape allergy hell: poll

Health

By SWNS

April 3, 2023 | 8:23am

Nearly a third (31%) of people would take a pay cut for a year to be allergy-free, new research suggests.

A survey of 2,000 U.S. adults with allergies discovered other favorite things people would be willing to part with for a year to be rid of their allergy symptoms, including cake (39%), chocolate (39%), video games (39%), coffee (38%) and social media (36%).

And about two in five (39%) people dread the spring season because of their allergies.

Conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Flonase, results also found people consider allergy symptoms to be the most frustrating part of springtime (54%), compared to spring cleaning (44%), mosquitoes (41%), and even filing taxes (38%). 

In fact, 58% reported their springtime plans are “always” or “often” interrupted by allergy symptoms. Activities people avoid doing when experiencing allergies? Outdoor exercise (39%), lawn mowing or yard work (39%), swimming (38%) and playing outdoor sports (37%).

People have even had to cancel plans completely because allergies got in the way, such as get-togethers with friends (37%), birthday parties (36%), road trips (36%) and weddings (33%) and even job interviews (33%).

In fact, the average person postpones or cancels 4.5 events a season due to seasonal allergies.

Additionally, allergies can stand in the way of blossoming spring romances, as 39% of respondents reported going on fewer dates during this season.

The most frustrating symptom to deal with? A runny nose (27%), more so than a sore throat (19%), rashes (19%) or fatigue (18%).

Forty-one percent admit they feel more self-conscious when their allergies begin.

That may be why 40% excuse themselves from a social situation after just two allergy symptoms occur.

“Our research shows that allergies can have an emotional toll on people’s lives,” said Tish Tillie, brand director for Flonase. “When asked to measure their happiness levels before, during and after experiencing allergy symptoms, 31% reported being ‘very happy’ before their allergies kicked in, but this dipped to just 18% when their allergy symptoms hit.”

To relieve their symptoms, over half (52%) have tried allergy medication, and more than two in five have also tried honey, herbal remedies, and essential oils (41% each).

Some have even attempted DIY solutions such as “inhaling garlic,” a “neti pot,” an “essential oil diffuser” and “using a homemade nasal rinse.”

“Allergy symptoms, including their severity, vary from person to person, so its important to talk to your doctor about lifestyle changes and treatments that may be right for you,” Tillie added. “Additionally, journaling, mediating, and scheduling time for self-care are all good examples of how to cope with the emotional impact of suffering from allergies.

Things people would give up for a year to be allergy-free

● Cake – 39%

● Chocolate – 39%

● Video games – 39%

● Coffee – 38%

● Pizza – 37%

● Social media – 36%

● Streaming service – 35%

● A portion of my salary – 31%

● Smartphone – 31%

People’s springtime frustrations

● Allergy symptoms – 54%

● Spring cleaning – 44%

● Unpredictable weather – 44%

● Lawn care/maintenance – 42%

● Mosquitos – 41%

● Filing taxes/tax returns – 38%

● Daylight savings time – 37%

● Finding seasonal clothing – 37%