If you find yourself wheezing and sneezing now that spring is here, you’re in good company. According to the , about one in four adults and nearly one in five children experience seasonal allergies.
, a professor and director of allergy and immunology at , provides guidance on managing this allergy season.
What is expected for this year’s allergy season?
This year, the start of the spring pollen season should be average as we are still experiencing a rainfall deficit despite recent rains. However, no exact prediction can be made for the entire season until we see conditions during the next few months. For example, dry, windy days will spread more pollen. Even an average pollen season can have days to weeks with very high pollen levels.
Early spring allergies are primarily due to tree pollen, which is small and easily spread by wind, while late spring allergies are due to grass pollen. Fall allergies are due to ragweed and other weeds. Mold spores also add to outdoor allergies.
Air pollution and global warming are worsening allergies by prolonging growing seasons and increasing the amount of pollen produced by plants.
How can we tell the difference between a seasonal allergy and a cold?
Symptoms that are recurrent during allergy season each year or last longer than 10 days are typically due to allergies, not colds. An itchy nose, itchy, watery eyes and clear nasal discharge are more indicative of allergies. This is especially true if symptoms emerge following time spent outdoors, particularly on windy days. Symptoms typically include itchy, watery eyes, sneezing, a runny nose, nasal stuffiness, postnasal drip and sinus pressure.
What might make an allergy worse?
Not only can allergies cause stress and poor sleep, but there is some evidence that stress may worsen allergies.
What are some tips for managing seasonal allergies?
The pollen count is higher on warm, breezy days. Limit outdoor activity on these days and during peak pollen times, usually early in the morning and at dusk. If you have been diagnosed with seasonal allergies in the past, start your medications early in the season to avoid symptoms worsening after several days of exposure.
At home, keep your windows shut and use your air conditioning or a HEPA purifier to filter allergens. To remove pollen after being outdoors, shower immediately when home and change your clothes. Use an over-the-counter saline nasal spray or rinse to clear pollen from your nasal passages and throat area.
Outdoors, wear sunglasses and add a mask if you’re doing yard work. Keep your car windows closed while driving.
When should you consult a doctor for allergies?
See your primary care physician or an allergist if symptoms continue despite using typical over-the-counter antihistamines or if you are wheezing or have shortness of breath.
Who should consider allergy shots?
Allergy shots should be considered if medications are not effective or cannot be used for other medical reasons. Allergy shots are typically given for three to five years.
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