Spring and fall allergies can range from being mildly annoying to triggering serious asthma attacks.
The science behind allergies
Allergies occur when the immune system identifies microscopic substances in the environment as harmful. Seasonal allergies are caused by pollen from trees, grasses and weeds, which can travel long distances through the air to reproduce with other plants.
Not everyone’s immune system reacts to pollen, but for those suffering from seasonal allergies, pollen triggers allergy cells to release substances like histamine that create allergy symptoms. This is an immune response that isn’t supposed to happen.
These allergy symptoms can include:
- Itchy, stuffy nose
- Sneezing
- Swollen, watery and itchy red eyes
- Sore throat, congestion or earaches from nasal drainage
- Flare-ups in eczema (an itchy skin rash)
With climate change, pollen counts continue to rise, particularly with ragweed in the fall, causing more people to have longer-lasting and more severe allergy symptoms.
Spring is still the most active allergy season due to tree pollen in the central Ohio area.
How to reduce allergy symptoms
Allergists typically recommend two initial strategies to tamp down symptoms:
Avoid the allergens in the first place
On days when pollen counts are especially high (check your forecast), try to spend time indoors and keep windows closed in your car and house.
If you do spend time outside, take a shower and rinse off the pollen when you come inside. Washing can drastically reduce your body’s immune response.
Use saline solution or a neti pot to flush pollen out of the nose.
Allergy-proof your home
You can take steps to make your home less likely to harbor allergens that trigger symptoms:
- Regularly replace the air filters in your HVAC system. Consider purchasing HEPA filters, which are designed to capture fine particulates and improve air quality.
- Target dust mites by using dust mite covers on bedding, such as pillows and comforters, to help reduce exposure. Once weekly, wash all bedding in hot water. Keep humidity less than 50% in your home. These steps can decrease exposure to dust mites, although there’s no way to eliminate dust mite exposure.
- Keep windows closed so that pollen doesn’t get into the house.
If you have a furry family member, take these extra steps:
- Keep pets out of the bedroom to create an “allergy-free zone.”
- Wash animals about twice a week to interrupt and decrease dander production.
- Try pet foods that can decrease dander production.
- Wipe pets with a damp towel after they’ve spent time outdoors to keep pollen from getting into your home.
Try over-the-counter medications
Over-the-counter (OTC) medications can be extremely effective at preventing allergy cells from triggering, keeping symptoms under control before they even start.
For oral medications, allergists recommend those with long-acting, less-sedating active ingredients, such as:
- Loratadine (Claritin)
- Cetirizine (Zyrtec)
- Fexofenadine (Allegra)
These are recommended over the shorter-acting diphenhydramine (Benadryl), which can cause drowsiness. Studies show there may be a higher risk of dementia and cognitive decline with first-generation antihistamines like diphenhydramine.
Short-acting antihistamines aren’t recommended for long-term use. They don’t provide lasting relief, and people often sleep through symptoms due to their sedative effects rather than experiencing true symptom control.
Try a nasal spray
OTC corticosteroid nasal sprays can be very effective at reducing symptoms, especially nasal congestion. These include brand names such as Flonase, Rhinocort and Nasacort.
Antihistamine nasal sprays, such as azelastine, are also available, as well as prescription combination sprays that include both nasal steroids and antihistamines. Nasal antihistamines can work within 30 to 60 minutes, while nasal steroids can take two to four weeks for optimal improvement.
Topical nasal decongestants such as Afrin (oxymetazoline hydrochloride) are less effective and can be addictive. They should not be used for more than three days at a time. If symptoms persist, consider switching to a corticosteroid nasal spray.
Proper technique is important when using nasal sprays. Many people misuse them and end up disliking them unnecessarily.
How to effectively use a nasal spray
- Point your nose down toward your toes.
- Insert the nozzle into the nostril and aim it toward the eye on that side.
- When spraying, don’t snort or breathe in the spray. Let it coat the inner nostril, and gently dab any excess medication that drips out of your nose with a tissue.
While oral medications can provide almost immediate relief for some patients, nasal sprays often require two to four weeks of regular use to achieve their full effect.
Not all allergy medications work the same way for everyone, so it’s important to try different options to find what works best for you.
To save money on these medications, generic versions typically work just as well as brand-name versions.
Wholesale stores often offer very cost-effective generic options. In some cases, you can purchase a year’s supply of generic cetirizine for as little as $15.
What if allergies persist or get worse?
If symptoms continue even after avoiding allergens and taking over-the-counter medications, interrupt your daily activities, or become severe — such as difficulty breathing, coughing, chest tightness or recurring sinus infections — it’s time to make an appointment with an allergist.
Allergists specialize in diagnosing, treating and preventing allergies and other immune system conditions.
One common treatment allergists use is immunotherapy, which helps the body develop a tolerance to the pollens that cause allergic reactions. This approach works by inducing long-term changes in the immune system.
Starting with very small amounts, allergists gradually increase a patient’s exposure to allergens through allergy shots or tablets and liquid placed under the tongue. Over time, this helps the body build natural immunity to the allergens.
With regular treatment, the body slowly begins to tolerate allergens that once triggered symptoms. Patients may start to see improvement within about 10 months, but lasting immune system changes typically require three to five years of treatment.
Seasonal allergies can be annoying or even debilitating for some people. But with the right strategies — whether it’s finding the over-the-counter medications that work best for your symptoms or working with an allergist — you can take control and start to breathe easier during allergy seasons.
Are your allergies getting worse or interrupting your life?
Schedule an appointment with one of our experts here.
Schedule Today
