Spring is in bloom, so are spring allergies
Parkland experts share tips to stop the sniffling
Spring is in full bloom and blue bonnets and other wildflowers are blanketing the region with gorgeous pops of color. It is a beautiful sight, unless you’re one of the thousands of North Texans who greet this season with itchy eyes, sneezing and congestion brought on by spring allergies. Allergy experts at Parkland Health remind us that there are steps you can take to reduce your symptoms.
If you feel like sniffles and allergy medicine have become part of your daily routine, you’re not alone. Dallas was named the fourth most challenging place to live with seasonal allergies by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA).
“There is no one size fits all cure for seasonal allergies, but with over-the-counter medication, lifestyle changes and limited exposure to allergens you can reduce some of those uncomfortable symptoms,” said David Khan, MD, an allergist in the Parkland Asthma and Allergy Clinic and Professor of Internal Medicine at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center.
While the warmer weather brings families outdoors, it also means exposure to tree pollen, the main allergy culprit this time of year.
If you are allergic and pollen grains get into your nose and eyes, your immune system tries to fight them off by releasing several chemicals including one called histamine. The release of histamine causes inflammation, resulting in those familiar symptoms and irritation in your nose, throat and eyes. Oral antihistamines, both name brand and generic, work to block this reaction and relieve symptoms.
If oral antihistamines are not effective, Dr. Khan recommends adding an over-the-counter nasal steroid or nasal antihistamine spray. These 2 sprays can be used together for maximal benefit.
Dr. Khan recommends that people with persistent asthma or bothersome allergies (fall, spring, summer or year-round) see a physician to make sure their allergies are effectively treated.
“An allergy specialist can provide a proper diagnosis, perhaps using allergy testing, to help identify the allergens that trigger reactions and provide medications as well as advice on how to avoid exposure,” he said.
Dr. Khan recommends the following to reduce pollen exposure and symptoms:
- Before turning on an air conditioner for the first time, clean the vents and change the filter as clogged filters are less effective at keeping pollen and mold out of homes or cars.
- When pollen is at its peak especially mid-day and in the afternoon, stay indoors as much as possible.
People with asthma are reminded to take their controller medication and have an action plan should allergies knock you for a loop.
Ever traveled somewhere and felt like your allergies started acting up out of nowhere? Or maybe you recently moved and feel like you are allergic to things that didn’t bother you before. Ashleigh Halderman, MD, Otolaryngologist and ENT specialist at Parkland and UT Southwestern says this is completely normal.
“It’s always possible when you move to a new location that you’ll develop allergy symptoms, even if you have typically never suffered from allergies before,” Dr. Halderman said. “It takes about two growth seasons to become sensitized to the local allergens, every region is different.”
Parkland experts remind us to listen to our bodies and know the difference between allergy symptoms and common respiratory illnesses.
“Any upper respiratory virus or infection is going to have you symptomatic for about a week or so, while allergy symptoms typically last longer,” Dr. Halderman explained. “Fever, body aches, overall feeling poorly and lethargic, those are going to be signs of an illness that could require the attention of your primary care provider.”
For more information about Parkland services, visit www.parklandhealth.org
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