Spring Allergies Are Coming Soon!

By Tracy McCoy

Spring brings so much joy after a long, cold winter. Spring means flower buds and blooming trees, warm sunshine, green grass, honey bees, butterflies, rabbits scurrying about and for many a runny nose and itching eyes! I am one of those people affected by spring allergies.

Seasonal allergies also referred to as allergic rhinitis can make you (and me) miserable. There are simple strategies that can help keep those pesky allergy symptoms under control. Having had allergies most of my life I have learned (often the hard way) how to do that. Sometimes exposure to offending pollens override my efforts but still yet, my efforts greatly reduce my misery.

When I was young the first sign of spring and fall sent my mother with me in tow to our family doctor. I would get two shots (cortisone and more cortisone) and still my eyes would water and itch, sneezing was a given and with all of that comes an itching throat and ears, a sore scratchy throat and cough. Fast forward a lot of years and I now take an antihistamine (Allegra©) daily and use a nasal spray (Flonase©) too. I mention the brands that I use because that is what works for me.

Oral decongestants can also be effective to help with stuffy noses. Some are combined with antihistamines, for instance Allegra-D or Zyrtec-D. Another option for nasal spray is Cromolyn sodium spray (Nasalcrom) that blocks the release of immune system agents called mast cells that cause allergy symptoms. It is very safe but is typically used four to six times a day whereas Corticosteroid sprays are typically every 24 hours. There are many good options on the pharmacy shelf or through your doctor.

If you had rather take a natural route, there are some remedies on the shelves at holistic and wellness stores in and around the area. You may also opt for acupuncture as it has shown possible benefit. Allergy testing is important so you know what it is that you are allergic to. This will allow your allergist to give you small amounts of what is causing your problem. Allergy shots are believed to help you build immunity to the offending allergens. It is thought that over time they will reduce your response to your triggers, therefore eliminating symptoms.

During outdoor allergy season, you’ll notice the meteorologist on your local news channel will talk about pollen counts, the higher it is the more likely you are to suffer. Often they’ll let you know what is releasing pollen, like grass, pine, elm and so forth. If you know what your triggers are, it allows you to know that limiting your exposure will be beneficial. If you are outdoors and exposed to pollen when you return home change out of your clothes, jump through the shower to rinse pollen from your hair and skin. Saline nose spray or nasal rinsing works well to flush your sinuses as well.

Growing up we used a clothes line instead of the clothes dryer for two reasons: 1. To save on the power bill. 2. Because the clothes and sheets smell so good dried on the line. But, imagine the pollen that accumulates on them! Maybe if possible avoid drying clothes and blankets outside if you or someone you love has seasonal allergies.

If you must be outside for work or gardening/mowing/etc… wear a mask. Pollen is higher in the morning so perhaps wait till evening. It’s best after it rains, although cutting wet grass is not a good idea. Maybe delegate those outdoor chores during peak pollen season. Sleeping with windows open is not advised when you have allergies, although it is so nice to hear the crickets and katydids.

Use air conditioning in your vehicle and select “recirculate” to help eliminate pollen in your car. Air Conditioning will help at home as well. Good filtration in your home cooling system is a must and will greatly decrease allergens. You should always follow a routine maintenance schedule for your HVAC system. Clean floors with a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter. Whole home filtration is available and may be of tremendous help.

The key is to find medication that works for you and start way before you need them. I personally have inside and outside allergy triggers so I take my meds year round. This has worked well for me, instead of waiting until my eyes are swollen, nose is running and I am miserable. It’s a case of an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure! Start now, so you don’t miss out on spring.