Janna French, nurse practitioner
Springtime is here, bringing with it warmer weather and budding flowers. But if you are one of the 67 million adults in the U.S. that suffer from seasonal allergies, you know it also brings runny noses, sore throats and itchy eyes.
Have you noticed that your allergy symptoms are starting earlier and lasting longer? Across the country, allergy season is getting longer and more intense. This is caused when warmer temperatures cut winter short and last longer into the fall. Grasses, plants, and trees produce more pollen, increasing the amount in the air.
But you do not have to let your pesky allergy symptoms get in the way of having fun. We talked with Janna French, FNP-BC, an advanced practice provider* (APP) in Kentucky, to get some helpful tips to keep your symptoms at bay and let you get on with enjoying life.
Talk with Your Primary Care Provider (PCP) About Allergy Testing before Allergy Season Hits
If you have allergy symptoms but are not sure about what is causing them and can’t seem to find any relief, it is time to make an appointment to talk about allergy testing with your PCP,” explains Janna. They can help you figure out what is causing your allergies, be it pet dander, pollen, mold, dust mites, or other irritants in the air. They will then work with you to develop the best treatment plan.
It is important to start treating your symptoms before pollen, mold spores, or indoor allergen levels are elevated. By getting the medication into your system and allowing it time to get to work before allergen levels rise, you can be prepared for a less sneeze-y, more pleasant allergy season.
Reduce Exposure to Potential Triggers as Much as Possible
Allergens are everywhere but in order to manage your symptoms it is important to limit the number of touch points you have to potential triggers. Make sure to check the forecasted pollen count every day – on days when the count is high, avoid going outside and try to keep the outside air from coming in. Try to plan outdoor activities in the afternoon when the pollen count is lower. When you are outside, try to stay out of the garden and off the lawn – two areas that have high concentrations of pollen. After being outside, consider changing your clothes and showering off any allergens that are on your skin and in your hair.
It is also important to keep your indoor air clean from potential allergens. You can do this by using your air conditioning in the house and car more often, using high-efficiency air filters for your vacuum cleaner and home, and using a dehumidifier to keep the air dry and portable.
Ease Your Symptoms with Over-the-Counter Remedies
“There are many different over-the-counter antihistamines, including nasal sprays, that can help ease your allergy symptoms by temporarily relieving sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and a stuffy or runny nose,” said Janna.
If you need relief from nasal stuffiness look for an allergy medication that is both an antihistamine and a decongestant. Patients with HTN may benefit from Corricidin as decongestants can elevate blood pressure. You may also benefit from rinsing your nasal passages with saline solution, which flushes out mucus and allergens from your nose.
If You Can’t Find Any Relief, Try Prescription Medication or Allergy Shots
If over-the-counter options are not providing you with any relief, it is time to talk to your PCP about prescribed allergy medications and/or steroids. They may also talk to you about getting allergy shots as a treatment option. Allergy shots are regular injections that contain small amounts of the allergen you are allergic to. Over time, the shots help reduce your immune system's reaction to the cause of your allergies. This is a good option for patients whose symptoms are not well controlled or who have side effects from allergy medications. Your PCP can help you determine what the right allergy treatment option is for you.
Taking care of your allergies means managing allergic triggers and properly treating them so you can enjoy doing the things you love doing and spending time with your friends and family, sneeze, cough, and itch-free.
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