Allergy Season is Here—How to Stay Ahead and Breathe Easy
The end of February and the beginning of March mark the start of many refreshing and exciting things, like spring cleaning and spring sports—but they also mark the start of allergy season. Allergies, which affect millions of people worldwide, can be daunting and interfere with the fun springtime activities around the corner and your day-to-day as well. By understanding what allergies are and how to treat them, you can be assured that you’ll get through allergy season like a pro.
Backing Up—What are Allergies?
Allergies occur when your immune system overreacts to things like pollen, dust mites, or certain foods, which are usually harmless substances. This overreaction is characterized by the production of Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies, which trigger the release of chemicals like histamine, causing allergy symptoms.
Allergy Season and Common Symptoms
When we reference seasonal allergies or hay fever, we’re referring to allergies caused by environmental changes, like pollen from trees and grasses.
Respiratory allergies can cause sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, and itchy or watery eyes. It can sometimes lead to asthma symptoms like wheezing and difficulty breathing.
Ways to Treat Your Seasonal Allergies
There are a few common ways to treat seasonal allergies: over-the-counter (OTC) medications, prescription medications, and immunotherapy.
Over-the-counter (OTC) medications
OTC medications are widely used to manage allergy symptoms. They are easily accessible and provide quick relief for mild to moderate symptoms.
Antihistamines are the most common OTC allergy medications. They work by blocking histamine, a chemical the immune system releases during an allergic reaction. This can help reduce symptoms like sneezing, itching, and runny nose.
Decongestants can help relieve a stuffy nose, a common symptom of respiratory allergies. Corticosteroid creams or sprays can reduce inflammation and alleviate skin allergies.
Prescription medications
Prescription medications are used for more severe or persistent allergies. They are typically stronger than OTC medications prescribed by a healthcare provider.
Prescription antihistamines can provide longer-lasting relief than their OTC counterparts. They can be handy for managing chronic allergies.
Corticosteroids, available in various forms, can reduce inflammation caused by allergies. They can be used for skin, respiratory, and severe food allergies.
Other prescription drugs target specific allergy symptoms. For example, leukotriene modifiers can help manage asthma symptoms associated with allergies. Nasal ipratropium can relieve a runny nose caused by allergies.
Immunotherapy
Allergy immunotherapy is a treatment approach that aims to desensitize the immune system to allergens. It involves exposing the body to small doses of an allergen over time, which can help reduce the severity of allergic reactions.
Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) is a newer method of immunotherapy that involves placing a tablet under the tongue, which contains small amounts of an allergen and is allowed to dissolve.
Immunotherapy can be effective for various types of allergies, including seasonal respiratory, insect sting, and some food allergies. It is typically used when symptoms are severe, persistent, or poorly controlled by medications.
How Sinus & Allergy Wellness Center Can Help
At Sinus & Allergy Wellness Center, we pride ourselves on providing comprehensive, patient-centered care. Our team of experts is well-versed in diagnosing and managing allergies, and we use the latest medical technology to provide practical, personalized treatments. Trust us to help you achieve long-lasting allergy relief. We welcome you to reach out to us today to start your journey toward a life free of allergy symptoms. Take control of your allergies this allergy season and experience the difference that effective, personalized care can make.
Other Tips to Fight Allergies
In addition to seeking out medical care, here are a few key tips to keep allergies at bay:
- Keep an eye on the weather forecast. Check local TV, news sites, and radio stations for the latest pollen levels and allergy alerts. If they’re forecasting high pollen counts, start your allergy medicines even before you feel symptoms.
- Close doors and windows at night. It might be tempting to bring in some fresh air at night, but if the pollen counts are high, you’ll be happy to keep the air out of the house. Also, ensure your air conditioner is running correctly.
- Engage in outdoor activities later in the day since pollen counts are the highest in the morning.
