Find a Relief for Seasonal Allergies

BY VASAN RAMANUJA, MD Mankato Clinic Allergist

When trees, flowers, grasses and weeds come alive again and the pollen flies, many people suffer from seasonal allergies.

The Allergy & Asthma Network reports that one in five Americans are diagnosed with environmental allergies and more than 50% of those with allergies say symptoms impact their daily quality of life.

Nasal allergy symptoms ramp up when the body’s immune system overreacts to something in the environment, usually pollens and outdoor molds for those with seasonal allergies. The body makes chemicals called histamines which cause these symptoms.

• Sneezing

• Runny or stuffy nose

• Watery and itchy eyes

• Itchy nose, throat or ear canals

• Sinus congestion

• Postnasal drip

Climate change and warmer temperatures will lead to both higher pollen concentrations and

longer pollen seasons, causing more people to suffer more health effects from seasonal allergies according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

In fact, a study by the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that pollen season was 20 days longer from 1998 to 2018, with pollen concentrations 20% higher in North America.

Here are the best ways to manage allergy symptoms.

Everyday habits

Follow these tips to reduce your exposure to allergens during spring, summer and fall.

Keep windows closed in your home and car when symptoms are worse.

After spending time outdoors, take a shower and wash or at least rinse your hair before bedtime.

• Change your clothes after working or playing outdoors.

• Limit time outdoors. Use Pollen.com to get daily reports. As a rule of thumb, pollen levels tend to peak at midday and surge on windy, warm days.

Antihistamines

Antihistamines reduce or block the histamines to stop the allergy symptoms. Popular antihistamines include cetirizine (Zyrtec), loratadine (Claritin) and fexofenadine (Allegra). While newer antihistamines tend to have less side effects, all medications carry side effects. Always read the label for side effects, drug interactions and dosage. If you’re unsure if an antihistamine is right for you, ask your primary care provider, pharmacist or allergist.

Steroid nasal sprays

Nasal sprays can be helpful when nasal symptoms are not adequately controlled by an oral antihistamine. Nasal sprays can target congestion, runny nose, nasal itching and sneezing. Steroid nasal sprays are available over-the-counter and by prescription. It usually takes a week before symptoms improve. Always read the label for side effects, interactions and directions. Your primary care provider, allergist or pharmacist can answer your questions about nasal sprays.

Allergy testing and shots

If your allergies are not under control or you’d like to learn your triggers, allergy testing is a good option. The preferred testing method is skin testing. Based on the results, environment control measures and medications can be prescribed. Allergy shots, known as allergen immunotherapy, may be advised. In immunotherapy, allergens are injected under the skin. With monthly shots given over a period of three to five years, the body builds up a tolerance or immunity to the allergen and the shots can be stopped. Immunotherapy works well for allergies to pollens from trees, grass and weeds, cats, dogs, dust mites and mold.

An allergist can help you identify your allergies and find relief.