6 Tips to Tame Your Spring Allergies
For many of us, spring is the season of sneezing, coughing, sore throat, itchy throat, and watery eyes. Here are steps you can take to minimize your allergy suffering.
By Linda Faragasso, APN, Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Virtua Primary Care
For many of us, spring is the start of sneezin' season. It may seem impossible to escape the pollen, mold, and other allergens that set off fits of sneezing and coughing, not to mention stuffiness, sore throat, runny nose, itchy throat, and watery eyes.
Fortunately, there are steps you can take to minimize the suffering.
What Causes Seasonal Allergies?
Seasonal allergies develop when your body's immune system overreacts to something in the environment. While most people get seasonal allergies as children, you can develop them in adulthood as you move to a new home or workplace and are exposed to new allergens.
Women who have an imbalance of estrogen and progesterone—such as during pregnancy, perimenopause, and menopause—also may experience new or more severe allergic reactions. Estrogen promotes the release of histamines, the chemicals that cause allergy symptoms. Progesterone typically balances things out by breaking down histamine.
How to Treat Allergies and Make It Through the Season
- Know the culprits. Most spring allergies are caused by tree pollen. If your allergies continue through late spring into the summer, you may also be allergic to grass or weed pollen or mold. It's common for people to be allergic to more than one substance.
- Take medication. Loratadine (Claritin), fexofenadine (Allegra), or cetrazine (Zyrtec) offer fast relief for allergy symptoms. A steroid nasal spray, such as fluticasone (Flonase) or mometasone (Nasonex), also can help reduce post-nasal drip and sinus congestion and possibly help prevent your symptoms from worsening into a sinus infection. A saline nasal spray will keep your nasal passages moist and help you get rid of mucus. If over-the-counter medication does not provide sufficient relief, ask your doctor about allergy shots.
- Start treatment early. If you know you have spring allergies, start taking medicine at least two weeks before your symptoms typically begin.
- Keep pollen out of your home and car. Close windows and doors,and turn on the air conditioner.
- Limit your outdoor activity. Pollen counts usually rise in the morning and reach their peak by midday or early afternoon. Your local weather report can provide information on the types of pollen in the air. Beware of dry, hot, windy days—this type of weather makes pollen counts soar.
- Keep allergens off yourself. Wear a mask that covers your mouth and nose when mowing grass, raking leaves, or doing other outside chores. When coming inside, change your clothes, take a shower, and wash your face and hair.
With climate change, allergy seasons are starting earlier and lasting longer. But there's no need to be miserable. By minimizing exposure to triggers and using antihistamines, decongestants, and nasal sprays, you can still enjoy fun outdoor activities.
Need Help Treating Your Allergies?
Your primary care provider can help you take control of your allergies so you can get back to enjoying the season. Find a Virtua Primary Care location and make an appointment online, or call 888-847-8823.
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