DEALING WITH SEASONAL ALLERGIES
More than 80 million people in the United States report suffering from seasonal allergies. In the United
States, seasonal allergies usually begin in late February and last through September or October. Tree
pollen comes first in the spring, followed by grass pollen in the summer and ragweed pollen in the fall.
More than 80 million people in the United States report suffering from seasonal allergies. In the United
States, seasonal allergies usually begin in late February and last through September or October. Tree
pollen comes first in the spring, followed by grass pollen in the summer and ragweed pollen in the fall.
WHAT CAUSES ALLERGIES?
You can be allergic to many things. Unfortunately, here in the Tri–Cities area we experience high levels of
wind and pollen, contributing to worse seasonal allergies than in some other areas. Around the world,
warming temperatures and other environmental factors have made seasonal allergens such as tree
pollen, mold, and other spores worse over the past several decades.
SEASONAL CHANGES
Each spring, summer, and throughout the fall, tiny grains of pollen are released from trees, weeds, and
grasses. These grains move through the air, seeking to fertilize parts of other plants. However, many never
reach their plant targets and instead enter human noses and throats, triggering a pollen allergy, also
called allergic rhinitis or hay fever. Rhinitis is the inflammation and swelling of the mucous membrane
inside your nose. In addition to pollen, other allergens include dust mites, pet dander, and mold spores,
which are typically an issue year–round since they are indoors.
MANAGING ALLERGY SYMPTOMS
Several allergy medications can improve symptoms and help you manage your seasonal allergies. There
are many options available, including pills, liquids, eye drops, nasal sprays, steroids, and injections. Talk
to your healthcare provider before starting any new medication, especially if you have underlying
conditions or may be pregnant.
MEDICATION OPTIONSAntihistamines are a common type of medication to treat allergies: they work by blocking the histamine
that your body produces during an allergic response. Decongestants are another type of medication,
which helps relieve congestion in your nose and sinuses. Corticosteroid nasal sprays can also help
reduce sinus inflammation and relieve symptoms.
During an allergic reaction, your body releases leukotrienes, histamine, and other chemicals that cause
inflammation and hay fever symptoms. Available only with a prescription, leukotriene inhibitors are pills
that block leukotriene. Depending on the severity of your allergies, you may be eligible for
immunotherapy, or allergy shots that gradually decrease your reaction to a specific allergen. Make an
appointment with your healthcare provider to discuss these medication options and find the best
treatment for your situation.
WHAT ELSE CAN I DO?
Besides medication, there are other steps you can take to reduce your exposure to common allergens. To
reduce your allergy symptoms, take the following steps:
•Avoid touching your face and rubbing your eyes or nose.•Close windows in your home and car during the spring, summer and early fall when pollen counts
are higher.
•Put covers on pillows, mattresses and box springs to protect against dust mites. Regularly wash
sheets and other bedding.
•Keep pets off couches and beds, and close doors to bedrooms you don’t want them to enter.
•Use filters in your vacuum cleaner and air conditioner to reduce the number of allergens in the air.
•Look for filters labeled as HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filters to catch tiny particles.