Guest post by Lisa Ellman-Grunther, MD, Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery at New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai. 

Don’t be fooled by the small amount of snow still on the ground and the chilly temperatures. The spring allergy season in the New York City metropolitan area has arrived and the trees have started pollinating! The super harsh winter has created an outdoor environment which is expected to lead to very high pollen counts this season.

Starting a treatment plan before you have any allergy symptoms can help you to feel healthier this spring. Don’t wait until it’s too late! Allergy symptoms can include sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion, itchy watery eyes, cough, wheezing and skin rashes.

Understanding what triggers your allergies can help you to enjoy the outdoors despite the high levels of pollen. Tree pollen counts will begin to rise with several consistent days of warm weather and grass will begin to pollinate shortly after that.

There are a number of over the counter medications available to choose from this year including antihistamines, decongestants, nasal steroids and eye drops.  Prescription medications are often needed as well.

A visit to an allergist can help you start a treatment plan which will provide symptom control throughout the entire season. Allergy testing can also help determine the right time frames to start and stop your medications.

Helpful tips for this spring allergy season:

• Plan ahead: if you are going on a family vacation or your child is going on a class trip, find out what type of pollen will be high in that area, time your activities accordingly, and be prepared with medications. A good website to reference is www.pollen.com.
• Wash your hands after extended periods of time outside even if you have not been directly in contact with trees or plants. We touch our faces and eyes constantly and that makes symptoms worse.
• Shower at the end of the day so that pollen does not end up in your bed with you.
• If you have an outdoor pet, don’t forget about the pollen that they are bringing into the house. Bathe your pets frequently during the allergy season.
• Keep your windows closed to prevent high levels of pollen in your home.
• If you have plans for an extended outdoor activity when it is windy, rethink your plans.
• Moms and Dads: make sure your child’s school has an allergy action plan in place for the spring season.

Lisa Ellman-Grunther, MD, is a Staff Physician of Allergy and Immunology in the Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery at New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai. She treats adult and pediatric patients and is board certified by the American Board of Allergy and Immunology and a fellow of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.