Conquering Your Seasonal Allergies

Seasonal allergies affect many people, but a local doctor says some simple steps can help sufferers reduce their exposure to pollen and other seasonal allergens.

Seasonal allergies are caused by airborne pollen, particularly in the spring, summer and fall. Symptoms such as a runny and/or stuffy nose; watery eyes; and itchy ears and throat, are all signs of an allergy problem. Pollen counts are often broadcast on television weather reports, or can be found online for specific areas, which can help in deciding of how to go about daily activities without suffering.

Fresh air is important, but to an allergy sufferer it might not be the best thing, according to Sherry Farzan, MD, an attending physician in the North Shore-LIJ Health System.

“If you are going to be going outside, it would be a great idea when you come back in to take off your shoes and clothes and jump into the shower to take the pollen off of your hair and your skin, so you don’t go to into bed and spend the whole night with the pollen and wake up in the morning with worsening allergies,” said Dr. Farzan. “Another tip is to keep windows closed at home and in the car to avoid the wind blowing pollen into the house and directly into nasal passages.”

When avoidance, or even over the counter allergy remedies aren’t helping, seeing an allergist can, Dr. Farzan said.

“Seeing an allergist can pinpoint exactly what the nature of a sufferer’s symptoms may be,” she said. “Skin and blood testing help determine just what someone is allergic to, thereby eliminating guesswork, leading to faster treatment and relief.

“Allergen immunotherapy, also known as allergy shots, might do the trick. Sublingual immunotherapy, a newer treatment involving giving the patient small doses of an allergen under the tongue to boost tolerance to the substance is specifically available to help with the symptoms of grass and weed pollen.”

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