How To Cure Pollen Allergies

Symptoms Of Allergic Rhinitis

Health expert suggests tips to deal with pollen, allergies this season

Your symptoms can vary, depending on the severity of your allergies. Symptoms can include:

Pressure in the nose and cheeks
Ear fullness and popping
Watery, red, or swollen eyes
Dark circles under your eyes
Trouble smelling

Allergic rhinitis can last several weeks, longer than a cold or the flu. It does not cause fever. The nasal discharge is thin, watery, and clear. Nasal discharge from a cold or the flu tends to be thicker. Itching is common with hay fever but not with a cold or the flu. Sneezing occurs more with hay fever. You may even have severe sneeze attacks.

Words From Our Patients

âDr. Patel has been treating my son for food and environmental allergies for about 2 years now and there has been such a big improvement that he is off medication.â

Verified Patient
âDr. Patel has been treating my son for food and environmental allergies for about 2 years now and there has been such a big improvement that he is off medication.â

Verified Patient
âNo other allergist compares to Dr. Patel. He is so intellegent, very current with medicine and just so extremely patient and kind.â

Verified Patient
âI had a great experience. The doctor spent time with me and explained his thought process and what the medications will do. The meds worked. Very satisfied.â

Verified Patient
âHe is very convenient with appointments & locations. I recommend anyone to go see him! Dr Patel is your go to guy. My asthma is 1,000x better & my eczema too.â

Verified Patient

Donât Miss: Sinus Infection Symptoms Home Remedies

Types Of Pollen Allergy

There are three main types of pollen allergy: tree pollen allergy, grass pollen allergy, and weed pollen allergy. These vary in type and severity depending on geography. The season can also vary depending on where you live.

Tree Pollen

Allergies to tree pollen are most commonly triggered by these trees:

Grass Pollen

Only a few of the hundreds of types of grasses cause pollen allergies. The grasses that are the greatest culprits include:

Perennial Ryegrass

Weed Pollen

Weeds continue to be annoying in many ways beyond aesthetics and their propensity for choking flowers. Weeds that cause pollen allergies include:

Also Check: How To Stop A Runny Nose From Allergies

What Is An Allergic Reaction

Food allergy symptoms typically appear within a few minutes to two hours after consumption of the allergen. Allergic reactions can include:

difficulty breathing
loss of consciousness

People with a known allergy who begin experiencing symptoms while, or after, eating a food should initiate food allergy treatment immediately, and if symptoms progress, they should go to a nearby emergency room.

Anaphylaxis is a severe and potentially life-threatening form of IgE-mediated food allergy that requires prescription of self-injectable adrenaline. This can lead to constricted airways in the lungs, severe lowering of blood pressure and shock , and suffocation by swelling of the throat.

When you struggle with an ongoing, unidentified food allergy or sensitivity, your body constantly sends out inflammatory responses that can cause harm in multiple ways. Food sensitivities and allergies are correlated with an increased chance for developing:

kidney and gallbladder problems

Consider Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is purported to boost the immune system, help break up mucus, and support lymphatic drainage. Experts recommend mixing one to two tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with a glass of water and lemon juice three times a day to relieve allergy symptoms. These tips on how best to use apple cider vinegar will provide additional guidance.

You May Like: Can Food Allergies Come On Suddenly

What Are The Types Of Allergies And How Are They Treated

You can be allergic to a wide variety of substances including pollen, animal dander, mold and dust mites.

Pollen

Seasonal allergic rhinitis, or hay fever, is an allergic response to pollen. It causes inflammation and swelling of the lining of your nose and of the protective tissue of your eyes .

Symptoms include sneezing, congestion , and itchy, watery eyes, nose and mouth. Treatment options include over-the-counter and prescription oral antihistamines, anti-leukotrienes, nasal steroids, nasal antihistamines, and nasal cromolyn. In some people, allergic asthma symptoms can be caused by exposure to pollen.

Your symptoms can be reduced by avoiding pollen. Stay indoors when pollen counts are high, close your windows, and use air conditioning. Ask your healthcare provider about immunotherapy to treat pollen allergy.

Dust mites

Dust mites are tiny organisms that live in dust and in the fibers of household objects, such as pillows, mattresses, carpet, and upholstery. Dust mites grow in warm, humid areas.

The symptoms of dust mite allergy are similar to those of pollen allergy. To help manage dust mite allergies, try using dust mite encasements over pillows, mattresses, and box springs. Also, remove carpet, or vacuum frequently with a high-efficiency filter vacuum cleaner. Treatment may include medications to control your nasal/eye and chest symptoms. Immunotherapy may be recommended if your symptoms are not adequately controlled with avoidance methods and medications.

Molds

Natural Remedies For Dog Pollen Allergies

Here are some natural care remedies for your dog that are good to have at hand during pollen allergy season:

Coconut oil: its antibacterial properties reduce the sensation of itchy skin. Used in combination with fish oil, it can decrease allergic responses your dog might have to pollen.
Aloe vera: make sure you use it in gel form. Due to its anti-inflammatory characteristics, it is just right for treating hot spots and itches.
Apple cider vinegar: very effective for cleaning your dogs paws from pollen
Thyme infusion: calms down the skin infections, suitable for the toes and paws
Fish oil and turmeric: anti-inflammatory supplements like these may benefit your furry friend.

Be sure to speak with your vet before trying any of these or other natural treatments.

Recommended Reading: Can Seasonal Allergies Make You Tired

When Should You Consider Using Seasonal Allergy Medicine

Theres no cure for seasonal allergies , but taking over-the-counter medications, such as antihistamines2 can help when natural remedies for seasonal allergies arent enough. If youre using allergy medications, its often helpful to take them before your symptoms even start. Most people take medication when their seasonal allergies begin to cause trouble, but you can get a leg up on things by starting earlier, Purvi Parikh, MD, an allergist and immunologist with NYU Langone, who is allergic to grass pollen herself, tells SELF. Grass pollen starts becoming bothersome in springtime, so Dr. Parikh begins using allergy meds like antihistamines two weeks before the season starts. This helps her reduce symptoms or even avoid them altogether, she says. You can also try OTC nasal corticosteroids, which are sprayed or inhaled into the nose to help relieve your stuffy nose and irritation caused by allergies.

Its important to talk to your doctor, preferably an allergist if you have access to one, before trying any other natural remedies for seasonal allergies, like herbs or supplements. For example, some people who are allergic to ragweed, daisies, and marigolds can also be allergic to chamomile tea, according to the NCCIH, which could do more harm than good in that case.

Consider Nasal Washing With Sinus Rinses

Pollen problems: Doctor shares tips to alleviate allergy symptoms

Sinus rinses are a popular allergy treatment that you can do at home, working well with antihistamines and nasal sprays. The neti pot may be one of the most recognizable sinus rinse products.

A neti pot can be picked up at any local drugstore or online, and typically comes with packets to mix with warm, distilled water to create a saltwater solution. Using the pot to pour the solution through your nasal cavities, you can flush out gunk and allergens to reduce swelling and ease symptoms.

Don’t Miss: Can You Develop A Latex Allergy

What Is A Pollen Allergy

An allergy to pollen can cause your nose to run or your sinuses to be stopped up. The intensity of the symptoms will vary depending on how sensitive you are to particular pollens.

This allergy is often referred to as hay fever or seasonal allergies. The most common allergy-causing pollens are birch trees, oak trees, grass, and ragweed plants.

What Are Some Common Seasonal Allergy Symptoms

When your body is responding to an allergen, it lets you know. According to the

Stuffy or runny nose and excess mucus
Itchy eyes, nose, mouth, or throat
Red, watery, and puffy eyes

Sometimes these symptoms can feel like a cold or another respiratory infection like COVID-19. If youre not quite sure what youre dealing with, pay close attention to other symptoms that might be surfacing. A cold or flu-like infection may also cause additional warning signs such as fever, chills, and body aches, Ratika Gupta, MD, an allergist and immunologist with New York-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital, tells SELF. Allergies should not cause any of those things, Dr. Gupta says.

Whats more, seasonal allergy symptoms tend to last longer, according to the National Library of Medicine . If youre unsure about whats going on and youve had symptoms for longer than a week, scheduling an appointment with your doctor can help you figure out whats driving your discomfort.

Direct Treatment Approach For Ceftriaxone

Among persons with confirmed IgE-mediated penicillin allergy, the level of cross-reactivity with third-generation cephalosporins is low . If a patient has a low-risk history for an IgE-mediated penicillin allergy, ambulatory settings often treat with third-generation cephalosporins without further testing. Low-risk history includes one nonspecific symptom . In addition, a family history of penicillin or ß-lactam allergy alone is not a contraindication for treatment with ß-lactam antibiotics. This practice is increasingly being used in ambulatory settings and for preoperative prophylaxis .

Does Butterbur Help Allergies

Butterbur is made from a flowering plant which has been used for thousands of years to a variety of health ailments.

According to Professor David Rakel, MD, of the University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Butterbur capsules have the BEST track record of all herbal supplements in helping maintain and regulate a healthy pollen tolerance.

Rakel goes on to say Butterbur is the Singulair of the herbal world, I think of all the allergy supplements, it has the best evidence behind it.

WebMD claims that Butterbur may be just as effective in treating allergy symptoms as Allegra or Zyrtec. If you are looking for the 1 thing to try in learning how to cure allergies naturally, this could be it!

The Reviews on WebMD also support that many are finding Butterbur effective in managing allergy symptoms.

You May Like: Can Allergy Shots Cause Hair Loss

What Are Seasonal Allergies

Allergies occur when your body’s defence system overreacts to certain substances. The immune system treats a harmless substance as if it were a harmful germ or virus. Many things can cause this to happen. Examples include pollens, medicine, food, dust, animal dander, and mould.

Your allergies are seasonal if you have symptoms just at certain times of the year. In that case, you are probably allergic to pollens from certain trees, grasses, or weeds.

Allergies can be mild or severe. Over-the-counter allergy medicine may help with some symptoms. Read and follow all instructions on the label.

Managing your allergies is an important part of staying healthy. Your doctor may suggest that you have tests to help find the cause of your allergies. When you know what things trigger your symptoms, you can avoid them. This can prevent allergy symptoms and other health problems.

In some cases, immunotherapy might help. For this treatment, you get shots or use pills that have a small amount of certain allergens in them. Your body “gets used to” the allergen, so you react less to it over time. This kind of treatment may help prevent or reduce some allergy symptoms.

How To Manage Spring Allergies

Dr. Eidelman says many of the best nasal medications are now available over-the-counter. They fall under a few different categories.

1. Antihistamines

The first category of medications is antihistamines, which fall into two basic groups of their own:

First-generation antihistamines: These older medications, like Benadryl® , cause drowsiness and slow reaction times, which can impact your day-to-day work and your ability to operate machinery . You might think the medication isnt affecting you, Dr. Eidelman warns, but youre probably not functioning as well as you think you are.
Second-generation antihistamines: Newer medications like Claritin® , Allegra® and Zyrtec® are less sedating or non-sedating. Theyre the preferred medications for basic symptoms like itching, sneezing or runny nose, Dr. Eidelman advises.

2. Nasal sprays

If youre experiencing nasal congestion, postnasal drip and sinus pressure, antihistamines arent particularly effective, Dr. Eidelman says. But you can add a topical nasal steroid like Flonase® , Rhinocort® , Nasonex® or Nasacort® .

These nasal sprays are non-sedating and dont have side effects, but you have to use them every day for them to work.

Theyre the gold standard for moderate to severe nasal allergies, Dr. Eidelman says. They work well, but the thing to keep in mind is that they dont have an immediate effect.

3. Decongestants

Also Check: Symptoms Of Allergies In Adults

Recommended Reading: How Long Do Latex Allergy Symptoms Last

What Are Common Plant Allergens

Ragweed is the most common cause of seasonal allergies. It’s estimated that 75 per cent of people with hay fever are bothered by ragweed.

Among North American plants, weeds are the most prolific producers of allergenic pollen. Grasses and trees are also important sources of allergenic pollens. You can identify common weeds and grasses found in Ontario by visiting ontarioweeds.com.

Dandelions shed airborne pollen, but cause limited allergies because the pollen is heavy and tends to fall straight down rarely reaching human noses. The floating fluff is actually the seed, not the pollen, and does not cause allergies.

Questions To Ask Your Doctor

What Are Pollen Allergies and How Can You Manage Them?

Could anything else, such as a cold or the flu, be causing my symptoms?
How do I figure out what Im allergic to?
Is my allergy seasonal?
I am allergic to _____. Am I at risk for any other allergies?
What changes can I make at home to relieve my symptoms?
Will any over-the counter medicines relieve my symptoms?
What should I do if my symptoms get worse or dont respond to the treatment youve prescribed?
Do I need to see an allergy specialist ?

Also Check: What To Drink For Allergies

Dont Just Tough It Out If You Cant Find Relief From Your Allergy Symptoms

No one wants to be miserable. Bad allergies can ruin your quality of life and affect your overall health if symptoms turn into a sinus or upper respiratory infection. The good thing is you have options.

If youve never talked with a doctor about your allergies before, start by making a primary care appointment. Whether you choose a video visit or in-person appointment, your primary care doctor will listen to your symptoms, answer any questions you have and work with you to create a tailored treatment plan including connecting you with specialists like an allergist or an otolaryngologist if needed.

Your doctor can also help make sure if symptoms are related to allergies or COVID-19, a cold or something else.

Have you already been diagnosed with seasonal allergies? Make an in-person appointment with an allergist. If youre struggling to get relief this season or your allergy symptoms feel like theyre getting worse, you can see an allergist without a referral. Allergists specialize in testing to determine what causes your allergies and the best way to treat them.

Ragweed Pollen & Climate Change

Its important to understand that ragweed allergy season isnt the same as it was several decades ago, though. In fact, they are becoming more ubiquitous just check out this image from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency:

27 days

Science shows us that climate change is one of the reasons were seeing extended allergy seasons and higher pollen counts. With changing climates and temperatures shifts, allergens are able to creep into areas they didnt previously occupy. As a result, people living in areas where ragweed pollen wasnt much of a problem before are now finding themselves fighting allergies.

Additionally, because more carbon dioxide in the atmosphere actually nourishes plants, ragweed plants are now growing bigger and producing more pollen than ever before .

And if you think allergies are mainly in rural areas, think again. Ragweed actually thrives in urban and suburban environments. Temperatures tend to be higher in these places because buildings and pavement heat and then re-radiate it more slowly back than open spaces.

Final Thoughts

Living with a ragweed allergy, also commonly known as hay fever, can be miserable. Often beginning in mid-July and lasting into November in the U.S., ragweed allergy season is actually becoming more intense and longer due to climate change. Symptoms include running nose, itchy, watery, swollen eyes, sneezing, and even allergy-induced asthma.

Recommended Reading: When Will Allergy Season Be Over

Find Out What The Pollen Level Is In Your Area

Knowing the pollen count can help you plan an attack for allergy symptoms. How can you find out? Just turn on your favorite weather report. Many reports include the pollen count in your area. Or, go online to Pollen.com.

Taking a trip? The pollen count may be higher where youre headed. Check the count at your destination and take along medications just in case.

What Are Antihistamines

Use Natural Antihistamines to Treat Pollen Allergies

Antihistamines are used to ease or prevent symptoms of hay fever and other allergies. They prevent the effects of histamine. This is a substance the body makes during an allergic reaction. Newer antihistamines cause less drowsiness than older ones. Ask your healthcare provider which antihistamine you should give your child. Antihistamines come in tablet, capsule, liquid, or injection form. They are available both over-the-counter and by prescription.

Recommended Reading: Can Allergy Symptoms Change Over Time