How To Reduce Your Allergy Symptoms
If youre suffering from allergies but dont want to deal with the fog and tiredness that come with antihistamine medications, there are several steps you can take to limit your exposure to this seasons excessive pollen. For starters, keep pollen out of your home by closing the windows and using the air conditioning system to circulate air. This will keep your home comfortable without allowing pollen in. You can also limit your time spent outside by exercising indoors and only going out when its absolutely necessary.
If you want to be especially careful, you might even consider changing your clothes and shoes and taking a shower whenever you come in from outside. This will keep pollen from spreading inside your home and get it off of your skin and hair before it can cause an allergic reaction. This step may be unnecessary for mild allergy sufferers, but its a good idea if you or someone you live with suffers from severe allergies, asthma, COPD or other respiratory illnesses.
Finally, you can protect yourself with a high-quality HEPA air purifier. The fine filter material in a HEPA purifier can easily capture grains of pollen, removing them from the air in your home. By capturing pollen before it has a chance to cause an allergy flare-up, you can reduce your overall symptoms during the heavy allergy season of 2020. Some of our top recommendations for allergy control include the Amaircare 3000 HEPA, Airpura I600, Austin Air Allergy Machine and Rabbit Air Minus A2.
But There Are Things You Can Do About Spring Seasonal Allergies
First, make an appointment with your allergist. He or she can get you started on medicine now to beat the onslaught of symptoms, hopefully. Allergy season in Ohio begins now, so dont delay.
Another thing sufferers can try is immunotherapy or allergy shots. Many people with seasonal spring allergies find relief with allergy shots.
You can also stay inside when the pollen counts are super high and take a bath or shower before going to bed to rinse off all the pollen. Check your local weather channel for pollen count information.
And sleep with your windows closed! We know we love the fresh spring air too, but that is where the pollen spreads!
As always, if you have questions or concerns about your spring seasonal allergies, the medical experts at Family Allergy are here to help.
When Is The Peak Of Allergy Season In California
Find out whats happening in San Juan Capistrano with free, real-time updates from Patch. Lets go! In California, allergy season will peak in early April. As the days become longer, tree pollen begins to cover everything in a fine yellow haze, but that will wind down by the latter half of April, into May.
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Is It An Allergy Or Covid
When COVID-19 and seasonal allergies are circulating at the same time, every sniffle can lead you to worry that you might have the virus. From the perspective of a parent, one of the biggest issues is when kids in school have allergy symptoms that are poorly controlled, and then the school system sends them home or says they need a physicians note, Dr. Leeds says.
The CDC has a Venn diagram that shows symptoms the two conditions have in common. These include congestion, cough, difficulty breathing, fatigue, runny nose, sore throat, and shortness of breath. But comparing the most common symptoms reveals clear differences. Seasonal allergies usually cause itchy or watery eyes and sneezing, while COVID-19 is characterized by fever and chills, muscle and body aches, new loss of taste and smell, nausea and vomiting, and diarrhea.
Because of COVID-19, people are afraid of you when youre sniffling, says Dr. Hsu. But it goes both waysa lot of people are sniffling and sneezing and coughing, and they are not getting tested for COVID-19, because they assume its allergies. And they are probably correct.
Often the distinction is clearpeople with allergies itch more, and they dont have the fatigue, malaise, and fever that comes with COVID-19. But anyone who is concerned should call their doctor, she says.
Several Different Allergens May Be Causing Your Morning Allergy Symptoms
Dust mites are one common trigger for morning allergies. Many people are allergic to these microscopic bugs, which can be found in house dust, eating the skin cells that people shed. They are often found in warm environments, including bedding and upholstered furniture, so your bedroom is an ideal environment for them to live and breed. Although dust mites donât bite or spread disease, their shed body parts or droppings can trigger morning allergy symptoms.
Pet dander may cause morning allergies, especially if it has collected in your bedding and carpet. This can become an issue if your cat or dog sleeps in the bedroom with you. It may also be triggered by caged pets that are kept in the bedroom, such as a gerbil or guinea pig.
Pollen is one of the biggest outdoor causes of morning allergies, since pollen counts tend to be higher in the morning. If you are an early riser and go outside first thing in the morning to walk your dog or exercise, you could be getting a big dose of allergen exposure at the start of your day. This may also happen if you sleep with the bedroom windows open.
Indoor mold is another potential trigger for morning allergies. Since mold thrives in damp areas, it can become a problem if your bedroom is near a bathroom, or another location with mold growth.
Also Check: What To Do For Pollen Allergies
Brutal Allergy Season On The Way For Many Americans Experts Say
As if allergy season isnt brutal enough, weather experts say this season could be a very bad one for many Americans.
According to AccuWeather, allergy sufferers in the eastern United States should brace for a long and severe season this spring as predicted above-normal rainfall and near-average temperatures mean much of the region will be ripe for tree, weed and grass pollen production.
Above-average pollen levels are in store for a huge portion of the country, an area that has a population of 193 million people and stretches all the way from Texas to Michigan on the east.
More than 50 million Americans suffer from seasonal allergies. Even if individuals dont suffer, there are ripple effects from family members, including millions of children, who struggle with symptoms.
Grass pollen sufferers will face a long and severe season into summer, AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Alan Reppert said.
AccuWeather says the ideal growing conditions mean the season is likely to get underway even earlier than usual. The same is true for tree pollen from the mid-Atlantic down to the Gulf and the southern Plains.
With above-normal rainfall and near-average temperatures for much of spring, we will have plenty of tree growth in the Southeast and even pushing into the southern Plains and mid-Atlantic, Reppert said.
This will bring a severe tree pollen season to much of the East and the Gulf coastline, he said.
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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.
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There Are Also More Long
â ExACT Immunoplasty â , which involves three injections given over an eight-week period, may provide the same amount of relief as 3-5 years of other types of allergy immunotherapy.
â Allergy drops require just a once-yearly trip to an allergist clinic.
â Allergy shots require more frequent trips to the clinic, but they are an affordable, time-tested option for long-term allergy relief.
Are you tired of waking up with morning allergies? Want to stop suffering from bedtime allergy symptoms? The allergy experts at Aspire Allergy & Sinus will work with you and your family to determine the best solution for your allergies. Come see us and request an appointment today!
How Long Do Seasonal Allergy Symptoms Last
Different seasonal allergens spike at different times of the year, so when you can expect to feel your typical allergy symptoms depends on what youre allergic to.
Spring allergy symptoms usually start around March when tree pollen is the main offender, Corbett said. That season typically lasts through April, he said. Then comes grass pollen season, which goes from May through the summer. Finally, from late summer through October is prime ragweed season.
So, if youre someone who is allergic to more than one or even all of these pollens, you might experience so-called seasonal allergy symptoms for a large chunk of the year. Some of our spring allergy sufferers really are having problems from late winter to early summer, Dr. Courtney Jackson Blair, past president of the Greater Washington Allergy, Asthma and Immunology Society and practice owner of Allergy and Asthma Associates, P.C., told TODAY.
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Be Consistent With Medication
It takes about two to three days for allergy medicine to kick in, explains Dr. Leija. And you cant just stop when you feel better or when the pollen count in your area is low. Pollen counts vary so much by the weather and the barometric pressure, he explains, so consistently taking your medication on days when numbers are low will prep you for when they surge again.
Additional reporting by Alisa Hrusticand Arielle Weg
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Are Seasonal Allergies In Children Found Different Than Adults
Allergies in children can be particularly challenging to manage since they spend much more time outdoors and are therefore exposed to more pollen. A day with a high pollen count wont stop kids from visiting the playground. The potential in children that they will outgrow their allergies is another distinction between adults and children, while adult allergies are typically well-established.
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What Treatment Is Available For Seasonal Allergy Symptoms
You can reduce seasonal allergy symptoms by following these tips:
- Stay indoors on high pollen count days.
- Take over-the-counter antihistamines such as Claritin, Zyrtec, or Allegra.
- Use a high efficiency particulate air purifier.
- Keep your windows closed and use air conditioning.
- Start taking allergy medicine before pollen season begins. Doing so will help block inflammation before it begins, and make your symptoms easier to control.
- Shower before going to bed to remove allergens.
- Wash your sheets and other bedding in hot, soapy water weekly.
- Wear a hat and sunglasses outdoors to limit pollen exposure.
- Change clothes when you come indoors.
- Take over-the-counter antihistamines such as loratadine , cetirizine , or fexofenadine .
- Use eye drops such as Opcon A or Patanol for eye symptoms. Consider nasal sprays such as fluticasone or azelastine for sneezing and nasal congestion symptoms.
For concerns about allergies, visit UPMC Urgent Care. For more severe allergy or asthma symptoms, you should see your doctor. A skin-prick test can pinpoint the cause of your seasonal allergies. Your doctor may prescribe immunotherapy shots to build up your immunity to your allergy triggers.
What Causes Nighttime Allergies
You may spend the day with few or no allergy symptoms, only to experience sniffles and itchy eyes when you go to bed. Many triggers of morning allergies can cause bedtime allergies, as well.
For example, if your bedroom has more dust mites than elsewhere in your home, they may trigger symptoms as soon as you get into bed. If you donât spend as much time with your pet during the day, your furry friend may not cause your allergies to act up until they have settled into bed with you at night.
Unfortunately, cockroaches may be another possible cause of nighttime allergies, especially in urban homes. Like dust mites, they can shed saliva, feces, and even body parts that trigger allergy symptoms. They can even cause sinus or ear infections. According to ACAAI, the National Pest Management Association says that 63 percent of all U.S. homes contain cockroach allergens, but this number may be 78 percent to 98 percent in urban areas. Cockroaches may enter the home through windows and cracks in the walls or doors.
While pollen counts tend to be higher in the morning, it can also cause nighttime allergies. Warm temperatures push pollen into the air, but cooler evening air means that pollen falls back down to cover outdoor surfaces at night. If you collect pollen in your hair or clothes over the course of the day, it can cause bedtime allergy symptoms once youâre in for the night.
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How To Avoid The Worst Allergy Symptoms
Thankfully, if you suffer from allergies, you can do more than grit your teeth and bear it. There are plenty of simple measures you can take to relieve symptoms. These include:
- Frequently cleaning your home particularly carpets, which can capture pollen.
- Keeping your pets clean, especially if they spend a lot of time outdoors.
- Taking allergy medications as recommended by your doctor.
- Flushing your nasal cavities with warm water to help clear out any lingering pollen irritants.
- Planting low-pollen grasses, such as Bermuda hybrids, St. Augustine, or Buffalo grass.
No matter the time of year, you can also try turning to local honey to relieve allergy symptoms.
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Tips To Manage Symptoms
Stay indoors with the doors and windows closed when pollen is at its peak . Check pollen counts in your area. Your local weather report will usually include them.
Before you turn on your heat for the first time, clean your heating vents and change the filter. Bits of mold and other allergens can get trapped in the vents over the summer and will fill the air as soon as you start the furnace.
Use a HEPA filter in your heating system to remove pollen, mold, and other particles from the air.
Use a dehumidifier to keep your air at between 35% and 50% humidity.
Wear a mask when you rake leaves so you don’t breathe in mold spores.
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Why Are My Allergies Getting Worse
The dust in your home may contain pollen as well as a cocktail of year-round allergens pet hair and dander, mold and dust mites that could make your allergies flare up. Taking the time to clean can help you enjoy spring rather than suffer through it.
Why are my allergies so bad right now 2020?
Why Is Allergy Season 2020 Worse Than Most? The reason for the worsening allergies this season is that two pollen seasons are overlapping in an unusual way. Ordinarily, tree pollen saturates the air in April and May. By June, trees finish their pollination, and grasses begin theirs.
Allergies In Spring Versus Fall
There is a significant difference between detecting allergies in the spring and fall.
- The severe allergy season has been exacerbated by the mild winter, the transition from winter to spring is more visible.
- Temperatures increase above freezing, causing snow to melt, plants to flower and bud, and more foliage to appear.
Because of the milder temperatures, mold that would typically die off in the winter months persists. Many people have had severe allergies as a result of this, as well as exceptionally high quantities of tree pollen.
Even those who ordinarily have no allergies or just experience minor symptoms have had severe responses this spring. So, if you have seen unusual allergy responses in 2021, you are not alone.
ByAlice LevittFebruary 10, 2017
Cedar pollen at work.
Image: Shutterstock
If we spent too much time thinking about every particle in the air we breathe, we would all quickly suffocate. One prime member of the motley band, the cedar pollen pictured above. And if you live in the Houston area, chances are, traces of it are resting in your nasal passages right now. For those of us without a sensitivity to cedar, thats just sort of gross. But for those with an allergy, it can mean misery. And this year may be your biggest bummer yet.
Sublingual immunotherapy may help you to stop sneezing.
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How Are Fall Allergies Diagnosed
Your doctor can help find out whatâs causing your watery, itchy eyes and runny nose. They’ll talk to you about your medical history and symptoms, and may recommend a skin test.
If they do, theyâll place a tiny amount of the allergen on your skin — usually on your back or forearm — and then prick or scratch the skin underneath. If you’re allergic to it, youâll get a small, raised bump that itches like a mosquito bite.
Sometimes a blood test may also be used to figure out a cause.
