Ways You’re Making Your Seasonal Allergies Worse
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For many people in the United States, the warmer, longer days of spring can’t come soon enough. But for tens of millions of people, early spring marks the beginning of yet another allergy season – and the sniffling, sneezing, itching, wheezing and overall frustration that comes with it.
In the U.S., those with seasonal allergies may contend with these irritating symptoms as early as February and they may linger until early summer. The main culprits triggering this misery are tree, grass and weed pollen. These yellowish powders fertilize plants and are spread by wind, insects and birds.
A rainy spring can help plants – and mold – grow more quickly, causing allergy symptoms to linger for months. Milder winter temperatures can also cause plants to pollinate early, which means that spring allergy season is starting earlier and lasting longer.
And the problem is likely getting worse, not better. Pollen counts are expected to double by 2040, according to research presented at the 2012 Annual Scientific Meeting of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.
If you’re one of the millions affected by seasonal allergies, it’s important to make sure you’re doing all that you can to keep your symptoms under control. This includes being aware of all the ways you may be unintentionally making your allergies even worse.
Avoid these missteps, which could trigger a flare up of your symptoms.
What Allergy Treatments Are Available
Treatments can help a great deal, says Dr. Hsu. Allergy treatment has changed over the past 10 years, with a number of first-line medications now available over the counter, she says. So, while we have lots of consultations with patients, we dont necessarily send a prescription to the pharmacy. We often advise people on what to buybut we want to be very specific, because there are certainly a lot of over-the-counter medications that we would not recommend as first-line treatments.
For instance, she might start with antihistamines for itching and runny nose, steroid nasal sprays for nasal passage congestion, and antihistamine eye drops for ocular symptoms. If a patient is still uncomfortable, she might recommend a decongestant, but not for daily use, since its a medication patients can become overly reliant on. Likewise, some patients should avoid antihistamines that are excessively sedating, she says.
The problem is that some people think theyll just grin and bear it. But… you can take steps to minimize those weeks of misery.Yale Medicine pediatric allergist Stephanie Leeds, MD
Its helpful when patients have a skin or blood test to find out exactly what they are allergic to. If you are really symptomatic, its helpful to get tested at least once. I dont think you need to be re-tested year after year, but at some point, establishing the specific triggers can be helpful, because then you can take steps to avoid exposure, Dr. Leeds says.
Herbal Medicines And Allergies
Asteraceae is a family of flowering plants, including many common species, and some are used in herbal medicines. Pollen from plants in this family is a common cause of hay fever, asthma and dermatitis.
Plants from the Asteraceae family include:
- plants grown for their flowers chrysanthemums, dahlias, sunflowers, marigolds, safflower and daisies
- edible foliage plants lettuce, safflower, chicory and artichoke
- weeds ragweed, mugwort, sagebrush, wormwood, feverfew
- plants used in some herbal medicines echinacea, dandelion, chamomile, feverfew, milk thistle and wormwood.
Echinacea can cause severe allergic reaction , asthma attacks, severe hives and swelling in some people, and this can occur when the first dose of echinacea is taken.
Pollen from plants in the Asteraceae family can also cause an allergic skin reaction on contact. The pollen can be found in herbal medicines, shampoos, cosmetics and massage oils, and includes pollen from plants such as the:
Sensitisation to pollen of plants from the Asteraceae family has also been linked with allergic reactions to other substances that are similar. This is known as cross-reactivity and has caused allergic reactions to:
- plant-derived herbal medicines echinacea, royal jelly, bee pollen extracts and chamomile
- foods celery, honey, sunflower seeds, carrot, lettuce, watermelon and nuts.
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What Causes Allergic Rhinitis
If you have allergies, your body releases chemicals when you are exposed to an allergen. One such chemical is called histamine. Histamine is your bodys defense against the allergen. The release of histamine causes your symptoms.
Hay fever is an allergic reaction to pollen. Pollen comes from flowering trees, grass, and weeds. If you are allergic to pollen, you will notice your symptoms are worse on hot, dry days when wind carries the pollen. On rainy days, pollen often is washed to the ground, which means you are less likely to breathe it. Your allergies can vary depending on the time of year:
- Allergies that occur in the spring are often due to tree pollen.
- Allergies that occur in the summer are often due to grass and weed pollen.
- Allergies that occur in the fall are often due to ragweed.
Allergens that can cause perennial allergic rhinitis include:
- Mold is common where water tends to collect, such as shower curtains and damp basements. It can also be found in rotting logs, hay, and mulch. This allergy is usually worse during humid and rainy weather.
- Animal dander.The skin, saliva, and urine of furry pets such as cats and dogs are allergens. You can be exposed to dander when handling an animal or from house dust that contains dander.
- Many allergens, including dust mites, are in dust. Dust mites are tiny living creatures found in bedding, mattresses, carpeting, and upholstered furniture. They live on dead skin cells and other things found in house dust.
Consider A Complementary Approach
Longtime allergy sufferers will try just about anything. Studies suggest that rinsing your sinuses to thin mucus and flush out allergens can be an effective add-on to standard treatment. A Neti pot is a centuries-old, teapot-like device designed to make that task easier. Over-the-counter saline nasal sprays with or without medication can also be effective.
Some people swear by a variation on the autoimmune protocol diet , designed for people with conditions like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis and celiac disease. Sherri Alan, a 45-year-old mom of two from Coral Springs, Florida, fills her plate with fresh fruits, vegetables and minimally processed foods said to reduce inflammation. She often uses turmeric, a spice with anti-inflammatory properties, sprinkling it on salads and popcorn, or mixing it in tea and smoothies.
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You Dont Have These Symptoms
Colds and allergies share many of the same symptoms, so it can be tough to tell which one youre going through. Because they share symptoms such as coughing and congestion its helpful to consider the symptoms that these two conditions dont share.
If youre experiencing any of these symptoms, theres a good chance you have a cold:
- Severe headache
Another way to tell the difference between a cold and allergies is the duration of your symptoms. Colds usually go away on their own in seven to 10 days, whereas allergies persist until theyre treated or until the trigger is gone which can take months depending on what you are allergic to.
If you know youre allergic to pollen, you can try an app like Zyrtec AllergyCast to check the pollen counts and see if its a good idea to go outside.
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Seasonal Allergies: What You Need To Know
Pollen is an airborne substance that comes from grass, flowering plants, trees, and weeds. In the past 12 months, 19.2 million adults and 5.2 million children under 18 were diagnosed with hay fever, the name given to allergic rhinitis caused by pollen. When someone has hay fever, their immune system identifies pollen as a threat and releases signals that lead to congestion, itchy eyes, runny nose, and sneezing, as well as problems like sinus pressure and allergic conjunctivitis .
The amount of pollen in the air depends on the season and the geographic area in which you live. The study reported in PNAS found the most pronounced effects in Texas and the Midwestern United States. However, the Northeast can have a significant spring allergy season as well, Dr. Leeds says. Tree allergies are especially common in New Englandparticularly due to birch and oak. Pollen allergies can also cause a cross-reaction with certain foods in some people symptoms include an itchy or tingling mouth and throat after eating raw fruits and vegetables, seeds, and nuts.
People may also have allergic reactions to grass pollen in the late spring to early summer and weed pollen in the fall. Many people are multi-sensitized, so they are allergic to more than one type of pollen, and they can be symptomatic through all of the warm weather seasons, Dr. Leeds says. Pollen can be carried by the wind, so windy days are the worst.
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Changes In Your Health
If at any time during the course of your immunotherapy you develop a new medical condition, you become pregnant, or you start a new medication, please tell the nurse. In particular, high blood pressure or heart medications and certain antidepressants cannot be taken with allergy shots. You should not get your allergy shot if you are have a fever, rash, asthma symptoms, or increased allergy symptoms.
Are You Really Struggling With Allergies
Stay out of the pollen and talk to an eCare medical provider anytime, anywhere 24/7 for nonurgent health issues, including cough, sinus discomfort and sore throat.
An allergy happens when the immune system reacts to a substance, such as pollen, and releases histamine, a chemical found in some of the bodys cells. After histamine is released, symptoms appear in the nose, sinuses, eyes, throat and even ears, skin and stomach. Many times the result is a runny nose, sneezing, headaches, itchy and watery eyes and sore throat.
If youre struggling, there are some things you can do to reduce your reactions and also soothe your symptoms, according to Rachel Alexander, APRN, Norton eCare:
1. Limit your time outdoors. Pollen counts are highest in midday, early evening and when its windy.
2. Use air conditioning both in the car and in your home. Consider a HEPA filter for your home.
3. Shower in the evening to wash the pollen off before bedtime. Be sure to thoroughly wash your hair. The steam from the shower is sometimes beneficial in relieving symptoms.
4. Use a saline rinse to clear pollen from nasal passages. There are several varieties out there, from neti pots to special sprayers and even electronic devices. Talk to your health care provider about the best options for you.
5. Keep pets out of your bedroom if they have been outdoors. This reduces the amount of pollen in your sleeping area.
6. Dry clothes in a dryer, not outdoors on a clothesline.
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Emergency Treatment Of Severe Allergic Reactions
Most people with allergies experience mild to moderate symptoms a runny nose, sneezing, watery eyes or rash.
However, anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction that requires emergency treatment.
Most commonly associated with allergies to food, insect stings, medications and latex, anaphylaxis involves an over-release of chemicals that puts the body in shock.
Symptoms occur suddenly and progress quickly from mild symptoms such as a runny nose and skin rash, to a strange feeling, to serious health problems such as difficulty breathing, throat swelling, vomiting, dizziness and fainting, low blood pressure and even cardiac arrest.
In the event of a severe allergic reaction:
- Check the victims airway, breathing and circulation.
- Keep the person calm.
- Elevate the persons feet about 12 inches, cover with a blanket and place nothing under his head.
- If necessary, perform rescue breathing and CPR.
Emergency personnel will administer epinephrine immediately to stop the anaphylactic reaction.
If you have had an anaphylactic reaction in the past, you are at risk of future reactions. Your doctor can prescribe emergency epinephrine to carry with you for emergencies.
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Keep Your Home Safe From Allergens
There are many steps you can take around your house to help with seasonal allergies.
Use humidifiers and dehumidifiers at the right times for your allergies
In the spring, summer and early fall, remove excess moisture from the air using a dehumidifier or air conditioner. This can help reduce the growth of mold and mildew spores known to cause some allergies.
In dry winter months, a humidifier can add moisture to a room to soothe dry, irritated nasal passages. Make sure to clean and change the filter regularly. Unfortunately, moisturized air can also cause dust mites to increase.
Change to HEPA filters for your heating and cooling system
A HEPA filter can trap airborne allergens like pollen and pet dander, helping keep more irritants out of the air. Just make sure youre regularly replacing filters particularly during high usage times. A good rule of thumb is to check your filter once a month to see if it needs replacing.
Consider adding an air purifier, too
Air purifiers can also be used to clean finer particles and fumes that your furnace or air conditioning filter cant catch. There are several different types of air purifiers and each works differently to clean the air you breathe. So, research your options to determine which may be the best fit for you needs.
Other ways to reduce allergens in your home:
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Questions To Ask Your Doctor
- 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 ?
Causes Of Seasonal Allergies
Hay fever happens when your immune system identifies an airborne substance thats usually harmless as dangerous. It responds to that substance, or allergen, by releasing histamines and other chemicals into your bloodstream. Those chemicals produce the symptoms of an allergic reaction.
Common triggers of hay fever vary from one season to another.
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Know When To Take Your Allergy Medications
Did you know you can start taking your allergy medication before symptoms even arrive?
While allergy seasons seem to be starting earlier and lasting longer these days, pollen seasons are somewhat predictable. So, start taking allergy medications about two weeks before the allergy season and your symptoms begin. Then, continue taking them regularly throughout the rest of the season. Once inflammation starts, it may take longer to get relief.
Oral antihistamines take about a half hour to get into your system. Bedtime is a good time to take allergy medications. Many last 24 hours, which means theyll be working through the next day.
Ten Ways To Control Allergies Without Medication
The best way to control allergies without medication is to avoid them altogether, but thats not always possible, or realistic. Some allergens like pollen are tiny, which means they can travel long distances and cover a lot of ground, surfaces, skin and hair. So, unless you have severe allergy symptoms that require medication, there are a lot of ways you can alleviate your symptoms and get back to doing the things you love, including:
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Find Medication That Works For You
Several over-the-counter and prescription medications can help with allergy symptoms. Many doctors recommend nasal steroid sprays like Nasonex or Flonase as the first line of treatment, said Dr. Sandra Hong, an allergist at the Cleveland Clinic.
But they may take a few days or weeks to provide relief from stuffiness and sneezing, so it is best to begin using them early in the season, before your symptoms become severe. Antihistamines whether sprays like Astelin pills like Allegra, Claritin or Zyrtec or eye drops like Optivar are other alternatives to take when needed, because they have a more immediate effect, she said.
It takes some trial and error to find the best medication regimen. If patients have tried one medication and it doesnt seem to be working for them, they should absolutely try other types to see if theyre more effective, Dr. Hong said.
What Are The Treatments For Mold Allergy
In some cases, there may be ways to reduce or avoid mold exposure in your environment. This may not always be possible and you may need medicines.
- Avoid contact with mold.
- Take medicine for nasal or other allergic symptoms. Antihistamines and nasal corticosteroid sprays are available without a prescription. If you have allergic asthma, talk with your doctor about which medicines may be best for you. You may also be a candidate for immunotherapy . Immunotherapy may help reduce symptoms and medicines and provide more effective long-term control of your symptoms. Learn more about allergy treatments.
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