Allergies
Spring Allergies By Russell Traister, MD, PhD
Though still thawing from a very cold winter and Punxsutawney Phil’s prediction of 6 more weeks of winter, spring is fast approaching. While spring can be an exciting time, with warmer weather and blooming trees and flowers, for allergy sufferers the arrival of spring can lead to unwanted increases in allergy symptoms. The primary cause of spring allergy symptoms is tree pollen. Unfortunately, year after year, spring tree pollen counts tend to be increasing, causing an increase in allergy symptoms. Allergy symptoms in the spring are no different than any other time of year, though they may be more severe. The hallmark symptoms of environmental allergies are itchy, watery eyes and nose. Itching is key as it is due to molecules such as histamine, which are released upon allergen exposure. In spring, ocular symptoms in kids can be particularly severe, sometimes requiring treatment with oral steroids for prompt resolution.
Treatment of allergy symptoms can involve multiple approaches. Avoidance of allergen triggers is ideal to prevent allergy symptoms, but given the widespread nature of tree pollen, that can be difficult to do in practice. Keeping house and car windows closed can help. Minimizing outdoor time can also help, but depending on individual situations, can also be difficult. More recent studies have shown that wearing masks can
also decrease allergen exposure, though eye symptoms might still be an issue. Eyeglasses or sunglasses can be somewhat, but not completely protective. Medications are the next treatment option. Intranasal steroids such as Flonase or Nasacort and antihistamines such as Zyrtec, Allegra, or Claritin are the most effective and both are available over the counter. Monteleukast is another option, available by prescription, though it is not effective for everyone. Allergy eye drops can also be beneficial. If symptoms persist despite medications, allergy shots are another option. Allergy shots are effective for about 80% of patients. After being tested for allergies, your positive test results can be used to mix your allergy serum. While allergy shots are effective, they are a big commitment, especially for the first 3-6 months. Administration of allergy shots requires building up the dose your body tolerates to what is known as the maintenance dose. This requires visiting your doctor’s office 1-2 times weekly, having your allergy shot(s) administered, and then waiting in the office for 20-30 minutes after your shot to ensure you do not have an allergic reaction. After about 6 months of build-up to your maintenance dose your shots can be spaced out and given on a monthly basis. This continues for 3-5 years, at which time a trial of stopping the shots can be attempted. It is also important to note that allergy shots do not take effect immediately and it may take 6-12 months of injections before clinical improvement is seen. In some patients, environmental allergies may also trigger exacerbation of underlying asthma. Allergy shots may be especially encouraged in those situations as shot administration has been shown to decrease asthma exacerbations. Regardless, choosing allergy shots is a personal decision and should be made in consultation with your allergist.
Dr. Traister is currently accepting new patients. He sees both pediatric and adult allergy patients at our specialty office in Bloomfield, at the Mellon Pavilion at West Penn Hospital, 4815 Liberty Ave., Suite 154. He also sees allergy patients at Dr. Petraglia’s office (adult primary care) at 455 Valley Brook Road, Suite 300, in McMurray.
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AHN Pediatrics • Spring 2022 • www.ahnpediatrics.org
