Spring has sprung, which means warmer weather is finally in our near future. However, it also means that soon allergies will be in full bloom. Today I will give you tips and tricks for how seasonal allergies present and how you can best treat them.

What are allergies anyway?
Allergies are when your immune system mistakes harmless things (like pollen) for harmful invaders. After your body identifies something as a threat, it will make antibodies to it. Then, the next time you are exposed to it, your body will try to fight it off by releasing chemicals like histamine. It is these chemicals that lead to most of the symptoms known to be associated with seasonal allergies.

What are the signs and symptoms of allergies?

• Cough
• Runny nose
• Watery/itchy eyes
• Nasal congestion
• Sneezing

What can you do to treat allergies without medications?

• Check daily pollen counts (usually higher on dry, windy days) and avoid being outdoors for extended periods of time on those days. Pro tip: pollen counts are usually the highest between 2-9 p.m.
• Keep car and home windows closed on high pollen count days. It is best to use air conditioning with clean filters instead of outdoor air for ventilation.
• After you come in from being outdoors, change clothes, put old clothes in the washer, then shower to remove pollen from your skin.
• Avoid drying your laundry outside, specifically during high pollen season.
• Wash your bedding on a regular basis with hot water.
• Vacuum your house frequently. Pro tip: HEPA filter vacuums are even better.
• Using air purifiers can help reduce indoor allergens. I like to keep one in my bedroom to help minimize nighttime symptoms.
• Consider keeping pets outside of the bedroom if they go outside regularly during high pollen seasons because they can carry pollen on their fur.
• When you are outside, wearing sunglasses (large/wraparound styles preferably) can minimize pollen irritation to the eyes.
• Be mindful that some yardwork activities are known to flare up allergies (i.e., mowing, raking, etc.).

When to consider talking to your medical provider?

• Your symptoms are persistent or worsening despite trying the above‑mentioned tactics.
• You are experiencing other atypical symptoms like fevers or chills.
• You have tried over‑the‑counter products without significant improvement.
• Symptoms don’t fall into the classic seasonal patterns.

Allergy Myths:

• Allergies only affect children — False. Adults can develop allergies at any age, even if they have not had them previously.
• You can only get allergy symptoms in the Spring — False. Different types of allergens peak at different times of the year. Some people even experience allergy symptoms all year‑round.
• Honey can help treat/cure allergies — False. Unfortunately, no strong evidence has demonstrated that honey helps treat or cure allergies. Honey is high in flower pollen but not in tree, grass, or weed pollen, which are the most common human allergy triggers.

If you are still suffering from allergy symptoms, please call our office to schedule an appointment so we can help you enjoy the warmer weather with your family and friends.

Daniel Truitt, DO