Stopping Spring Allergies Before They Stop You

As the weather warms up, plants start releasing pollen. These tiny seeds are supposed to fertilize other plants,grassesand trees. Sometimes, they do more than help their own species grow. They cause you to experience seasonal spring allergies.

“Allergies can cause a significant impact on quality of life,” saysDr. William Reisacher,otolaryngicallergist and professor of otolaryngology at Ƶ. Thankfully, he explains, “There are many things that can be done for allergies.”

Some of them, you can do before the first allergic reaction of spring.

Know Your Spring Allergies

When pollen kicks your immune system into overdrive, the symptoms are obvious. Symptoms include:

  • Ear pressure
  • Headache
  • Itchy, watery eyes
  • Nasal congestion
  • Sneezing

To combat these symptoms, youhave toknow what causes your reaction.

“The most common spring allergen is tree pollen,” Dr.Reisachersays. “Mold spores are also very common in the early spring as the snow cover begins to melt.”

One way to know your allergens is to undergo anallergy test. A common and quick approach is a skin test. During this exam, an allergy expert places a tinyamountof potential allergens under your skin. If a reaction occurs,dz’rallergic.

Pay Attention to Your Environment

Once you know your allergens, look out for them. Visit thefor the latest pollen count information in your region. This can help you gauge your risk for spring allergies.

When spring allergy triggers are present,dz’rat risk for seasonal allergies, also known as hay fever or allergic rhinitis. You can reduce your risk with the following steps:

  • Avoid outdoor activity.Stay indoors and away from outdoor allergens when your triggers are in the air.
  • Keep windows closed.Opening windows on beautiful days may let allergens inside.
  • Swap your air filter.Your airconditioner’sfilter captures many potential allergens. Get them out of your house by changing your filter regularly.

Medicate Against Spring Allergies

If spring allergies strike every year, start treatment before symptoms begin. An allergy specialist can help you know when to begin taking allergy medications and whichoptionis best for you.

Depending on your needs, you maybenefitfrom one of the following:

  • Antihistamines.Whenyou'reexposed to allergens, your immune system releases chemicals called histamines. These cause typical allergy symptoms.Over-the-counteror prescription antihistamines work to reduce or stop these symptoms.
  • Corticosteroids and decongestants.These reduce congestion and other springtime allergy symptoms.They’reoften taken as a nasal spray. You maybenefitfrom anover-the-counteror prescription option.
  • Immunotherapy.Your health-care provider injects you with an increasing dose of your allergen, week after week. Over time, these allergy shots build up your immunity. “Four years of therapy can give a patient 10 to 20 years of benefit after the therapy ends,” Dr.Reisachersays. “Instead of just decreasing symptoms, it actually makes a person less allergic.”

Conclusion

YouDz’thave to letallergy symptoms ruin your day. With a few simple steps, you can stop allergens in their tracks and reduce your springtime sniffles and sneezes.

  • Tree pollen is the most common cause of spring allergies and can cause symptoms such as headache and congestion.
  • Staying inside and regularly replacing your airconditioner’sfilter reduces your exposure to triggers and the risk of allergy symptoms.
  • Therearemultipleover-the-counterand prescription treatments for seasonal allergies. For best results, begin them before allergy season begins.

Ready to feel better in spring and the rest of the year?at Ƶ today who can help you manage your allergies.