If you find yourself sneezing and wheezing each spring, then you probably have seasonal allergies. And you’re not alone. About one in four adults, and about one in five children have these allergies, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
In this Q&A, Rachel Miller, MD, FAAAAI, System Chief of the Division of Clinical Immunology, answers five of the most frequently asked questions about seasonal allergies. Dr. Miller is also Dr. David and Dorothy Merksamer Professor of Medicine (Allergy and Immunology), and Environmental Medicine and Public Health at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, where her research focuses on the causes of asthma.
What are the symptoms of seasonal allergies?
Sometimes commonly known as hay fever, allergies can affect the nose and eyes and cause congestion and sneezing, eye itchiness, sore throat, and fatigue. The symptoms can be triggered during certain seasons by pollens, such as those from trees during the spring and those from ragweed during the fall. Symptoms may be unrelated to seasons if triggered by exposure to dust or animals that emit allergens year round. Some people with allergies develop allergic asthma, where the inflammation is focused in the lower airways. This can manifest as shortness of breath or wheeze.
Who is prone to having environmental allergies?
Allergic rhinitis, whether seasonal or nonseasonal, occur in people who are genetically predisposed but also re-exposed to triggers in the environment. The symptoms can be worsened by other factors such as stress, air pollution and smoking.
What is the best way to control environmental allergies?
There is no cure for allergies. But you can manage allergies with prevention and treatment. The best way to control allergic rhinitis is to first identify the triggers. They differ for different people. This can be assessed by visiting an allergist who could perform skin or blood tests after taking a careful history. If tree pollen, for example, is identified as a trigger, then wearing hats, sunglasses outdoors and removing shoes and showering upon return indoors, can minimize exposure. If dust, then avoiding sweeping and instead mopping or vacuuming can minimize exposure. A second step is treating with medicines. We have many medicines now to treat this. These may be nose sprays, pills, or eye medications. They are usually well tolerated. If someone cannot tolerate the medicines or has persistent symptoms, then allergen immunotherapy either through injections, known as allergy shots, or medicine under the tongue, can be considered.
What kinds of medication can I take to lesson my symptoms?
Two of the main types of medications used to treat allergies are antihistamines and steroids. These medications are available over the counter in the form of pills, nasal sprays, eye drops, and by prescription. Here are some suggestions:
- Look for products containing a nondrowsy antihistamine if you suffer from sneezing or a runny nose.
- A steroid nasal spray can be used on its own or in conjunction with an antihistamine nasal spray to quickly clear the nasal passages. A saline rinse prior to using a nasal spray may help wash away pollen and ensure better penetration of the medication.
- Itchy, watery eyes can be treated by trying artificial tears to wash away the offending pollen or antihistamine eye drops can be prescribed.
When should I consult a physician about my seasonal allergies?
Environmental allergies can occur at any time in life and vary in occurrence and severity. If your symptoms are not easily managed or well-understood, you can consult with an allergist/immunologist. Symptomatic treatment in combination with prescribed medications can successfully treat most situations. An allergist/immunologist can conduct skin testing to see what specific substances you are allergic to. If so, arrangements can be made for you to receive allergy injections that can help desensitize you to the offending allergens. However, this takes time and does not afford immediate relief of symptoms.