Are you feeling the burn of itchy, watery eyes? Do you have to pause every other sentence to sneeze or cough?

This isn’t an advertisement for the newest, fastest-acting allergy medicine - but it is a reminder of how inconvenient summer allergies can be for sufferers.

As the summer season kicks into high gear, area residents are feeling the “sniffling” effects of pollen and other allergens. An estimated 35 million Americans suffer from upper respiratory tract symptoms caused by airborne allergens, according to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.

“Grass and weeds are probably the most common allergens in Cherokee County,” said Dr. Tracy Childers, ear, nose and throat specialist. “Mold is a challenge, especially in Cherokee County, where we have the lakes and rivers.”

Childers said people are not generally born with their allergies.

“Usually, there is a predisposition to develop, and it’s not uncommon for adults to gain symptoms,” said Childers. “A study of family history - allergies and asthma - can show recurrent symptoms.”

According to AllergyActionPlan.com, a Web site produced by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, allergic rhinitis (also known as “hay fever” or “seasonal allergies”) is a major cause of sneezing, wheezing and coughing. An immune system can overreact when a person’s body comes into contact with allergens, thus causing these irritating symptoms, according to the site.

“You would need to talk with a doctor,” said Joy Boren, Cherokee County Health Department’s clinic coordinating nurse. “Any allergy can be dangerous.”

Several over-the-counter solutions can ease allergy suffering, including saline nasal spray. But Boren urges caution when using OTC nasal spray, including neosenephrin, because of side effects.

“Saline nasal spray washes the pollutants out of the sinuses,” said Boren. “But use the over-the-counter nasal sprays, such as Neosenephrin, with caution; they are habit-forming and can cause a rebound effect, making your allergy seem worse.”

Childers calls the possible effects more of a reliant than an addiction.

“Neosenephrin and Afrin can cause rebound congestion for people who use it consistently up to three days,” said Childers. “But saline spray is probably the most inexpensive and effective solution to allergies.”

To properly use saline spray, Childers recommends the user bend his or her neck forward and point the spray through the nostril toward the inner part of the eye opposite the nostril.

“Do not inhale while you spray,” said Childers. “After you spray, blow it out immediately. It will keep nasal passages cleaner.”

Childers also recommends Nasalcrom, generically known as cromolyn sodium, for use before allergies become a problem. Cromolyn sodium is a former prescription-only drug now available OTC that helps prevent the release of histamine chemicals from pollen particles in the nasal passage, according to Childers.