Amanda Burnette, MD

Spring is a time of sunshine, blooming flowers, and trees. For may, springtime can also mean seasonal allergies, with sneezing, a runny nose, congestion, itchy eyes, fatigue, and other annoying symptoms. Seasonal allergies, also known as seasonal allergic rhinitis or hay fever, affect 60 million Americans and are your body’s way of responding to pollen. Seasonal allergies occur at specific times of year when certain types of pollen are at higher levels in the air. Rising temperatures have extended the pollen season, with levels rising earlier for the spring season and lingering longer in the fall.

While flower, tree, and grass pollen levels are high in springtime, grass pollen is also high in the summer, along with weed pollen. Fall is seen as weed season, including ragweed, along with mold spores. If the body is allergic to a certain type of pollen or mold in the air, an immune response is triggered to produce certain chemicals in the body, such as histamines. These chemicals can cause the allergy-related symptoms we’re familiar with. Seasonal allergies also increase the risk of developing sinus and ear infections and increase the risk of asthma. Strategies to manage symptoms include medications, limiting exposure to pollen, and simple lifestyle changes.

There are many over-the-counter medications for seasonal allergy symptoms, and they work best when started a couple of weeks before the season begins. When taking allergy medications, make sure to read and follow directions carefully.

Antihistamines block the effects of histamine and work effectively to reduce sneezing, itching, a stuffy nose, and watery eyes. Available in tablet, liquid, and nasal sprays, antihistamines come in drowsy and non-drowsy versions. Over-the-counter medications include Zyrtec, Allegra, and Claritin.

Decongestants reduce swelling in the nostrils and can provide temporary relief for a stuffy nose. They come in pills, liquids, and sprays, and are often combined with an antihistamine and/or pain reliever. Examples include Sudafed and Afrin nasal spray.

Corticosteroid nasal sprays reduce swelling and mucus in the nasal passageways and can help with swelling, sneezing, and nasal congestion. These sprays work best when used every day. It may take two weeks for symptoms to improve significantly. They are most effective when started before the beginning of the season. Flonase and Rhinocort are two examples.

Many over-the-counter medications sold are either a single medicine or a combination of antihistamines and decongestants. It’s important to keep track of your symptoms, talk to your pharmacist or provider, and find what products work best for you. Combining an antihistamine such as Zyrtec with a corticosteroid such as Flonase works well for many people to alleviate symptoms. If you have diabetes, high blood pressure, glaucoma, or complicated medical conditions, talk to your provider about what types of over-the-counter medications are safest for you.

Saline nasal sprays can help clear nasal passages, and saline eye drops can be used to help burning or itching eyes. A sinus rinse, also called nasal irrigation, uses a saline solution in a container called a neti pot to flush the nasal passage, help clear sinuses, relieve pressure, and reduce mucus and allergens. The neti pot allows you to pour saline through the nostrils, like pouring tea from a teapot. It is important to use boiled, distilled, or filtered water to eliminate irritants and bacteria in the nasal passages. It is not recommended if you have an ear infection, ear pressure, a completely blocked nose, or have had recent nasal or sinus surgery.

Reducing your exposure to pollen can also be helpful. Pollen counts typically rise in the morning, peak around midday, and start falling as the sun goes down. Windy dry days mean a higher pollen count, with lower counts on rainy days. Tracking local pollen counts online or on your phone can make it easy to see pollen trends and utilize strategies to help with symptoms.

Limit time outside when pollen is high, wear sunglasses to protect your eyes, change clothes after coming in, wash clothes often, and shower before bed. To help allergy-proof your home, keep doors and windows closed at home and in the car on high pollen days, vacuum often, use a mattress cover, and wash bedding frequently. Invest in a high-quality air purifier with a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter for the bedroom, and consider replacing carpet with tiled or wood floors.

Lifestyle options can also help with symptoms. Stay hydrated to keep mucous membranes moist. Foods high in Omega-3s (salmon, walnuts, chia seeds, flax seeds) and Vitamin C (citrus, broccoli, cabbage, bell peppers) act as a mild antihistamine and help decrease inflammation and risk of infection. High stress levels can aggravate symptoms, so managing stress effectively through deep breathing, yoga, meditation, and prayer can help calm the nervous system.

If it’s been 3-4 weeks with no major improvement in symptoms, it’s time to visit your health care provider. They can assess symptoms, what medications and steps you’re taking, and discuss other options, including medication changes and further testing. You may be referred to an ear, nose, and throat physician or an allergist. Allergy testing can determine your specific allergens and more effective medications may be discussed or prescribed. Immunotherapy medications administered via injection or under the tongue expose your body to small increases in allergens to help you build tolerance and lessen or eliminate symptoms over time.]

Spring is a glorious time of year, but it can be miserable for allergy sufferers. Taking steps to minimize symptoms and working with your provider to manage them effectively can help you feel better and enjoy all of the seasons! 

Dr. Amanda Burnette is a Family Medicine physician serving patients at the HopeHealth Medical Plaza in Florence. Dr Burnette is a member of the American Medical Association and the American Academy of Family Physicians.