It is estimated that over 18 million adults and 7 million children suffer from seasonal allergies.http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/allergies.htm From early March (in some parts of the United States) through the end of June, and then again from late August to October, people of all ages are trying to deal with drippy noses, frequent sneezing and/or watery, red eyes. (Those are the most common symptoms associated with seasonal allergies.) http://www.cdc.gov/healthmarketing/entertainment_education/tips/allergies.htm This article will highlight the causes of seasonal allergies and provide helpful hints for reducing your risk for seasonal allergy symptoms. The article will also explain how to treat allergy symptoms if they persist.

Allergies occur when the immune system overreacts to substances called "allergens." http://www.aafa.org/display.cfm?id=9 In general, allergies are grouped by physicians by the kind of allergen triggering the reaction. This article addresses seasonal allergies, also known as, outdoor allergies (or hay fever, or perennial allergies, or nasal allergies.) (Other types of allergies are indoor, latex, food, or insect allergies. For more information on a variety of other allergies visit the website of the Asthma and Allergy Foundation.) http://www.aafa.org/display.cfm?id=9 With proper management, seasonal allergies can be managed so that symptoms do not interfere with daily living. It is advisable to discuss your seasonal allergy symptoms with your family physician before making any decisions about treating symptoms.

Seasonal allergies are most often caused by small particles of pollen flying through the air that get inhaled through the nose. Common airborne pollens come from certain trees, grasses and weeds. These plant pollens are produced several times per year when small, hard-to-see flowers release billions of pollen particles. These particles can travel far distances and different areas of the country may cause more significant allergy symptoms simply because of the amount of pollen being produced in a region. http://www.aafa.org/display.cfm?id=9&cont=79 Often, TV news will note the “pollen count” during seasonal allergy season, which will give you an idea whether symptoms may arise. http://kidshealth.org/parent/medical/allergies/allergy.html#

In general, physicians diagnose seasonal allergies by asking questions about your medical history and observing your typical symptoms. During the physical examination, a physician may look over your ears, eyes, nose, throat, chest, and skin. “In some cases, the exam may even include a pulmonary function test to detect how well you exhale air from your lungs.” http://www.aafa.org/display.cfm?id=9&cont=80 Upon confirming that you suffer from seasonal allergies, there are several different treatment options to consider, which will be addressed in step 2.

The best way to treat allergies is to take a three-pronged approach: avoid allergens, take medication or visit a physician for allergy shots (immunotherapy). http://www.aafa.org/display.cfm?id=9&cont=81

Avoid Allergens
Although it is not possible to completely avoid allergens, be mindful of daily pollen counts and try to avoid being outside when risk of symptoms is the highest, say on windy days.

Medication Options
The Allergy and Asthma Foundation reports that some people do not opt for medication because they feel like allergy symptoms aren’t severe enough and serious enough to warrant treatment. http://www.aafa.org/display.cfm?id=9&cont=81 However, untreated symptoms could potentially lead to complications like sinus or ear infections. Why risk complications? There are many prescription and over-the-counter treatment options, such as:

Antihistamines and decongestants
These type of medicines are the most common medications used for allergies. Antihistamines help relieve rashes and hives, as well as sneezing, itching, and runny nose. Of note, some antihistamines, like diphenhydramine (Benadryl) will cause drowsiness. http://www.benadryl.com/#/Adult_Products/Allergy-KapGels/ However, there are other antihistamines now available in drug stores that do not cause drowsiness such as fexofenadine HCL (Allergrahttp://www.allegra.com/ and loratadine (Claritin)http://www.claritin.com/claritin/home/index.jspa. Of note, Allegra, Claritin and Benadryl have generic counterparts and, therefore, are fairly inexpensive to purchase. (Frequently, drug manufacturers offer antihistamine coupons during the allergy season in Sunday newspaper advertising circulars, reducing the price even further.)

Decongestant pills, sprays, and nose drops are also available in drug stores to reduce stuffiness by shrinking swollen membranes in the nose.

When using a non-prescription nasal decongestant spray, avoid using it more than three days in a row because swelling and/or stuffiness in your nose may worsen, even after you stop using the medicine. http://www.aafa.org/display.cfm?id=9&cont=81

Eye drops
Eye drops may also provide temporary relief from burning or bloodshot eyes. However, only prescription allergy eye drops, like patanol http://www.pataday.com/patanol/, contain antihistamines that can reduce itching, tearing and swelling.

Allergy Shots
Some people’s allergy symptoms are severe enough to warrant more aggressive treatment. Allergy shots can help prevent symptoms over time. For reasons not completely understood by physicians, the shots help people to become less sensitive to allergens. This can be effective for some people with hay fever, certain animal allergies, and insect stings.

The best way to reduce your risk for seasonal allergies, if you typically suffer from them, is to avoid allergens as much as possible. While it is certainly not possible to live in a bubble and avoid allergens entirely, there are steps than can be taken to help control symptoms.

At home and at work, you can reduce the amount of pollen and dust in the air by keeping windows closed and vacuuming regularly. If you suffer from seasonal allergies, consider “raising” fake plants instead of actual plants. Also, make sure to dust furniture and wash bedding and toweling regularly to reduce overall dust in your living space. It is further recommended that dehumidifiers be used in wetter places (like kitchens and bathrooms) to reduce mold production, which is another kind of seasonal allergen. http://www.aafa.org/display.cfm?id=9&cont=82

Parents should be mindful of how their children are being exposed to allergens in school. Parents can work with teachers and administrators to reduce allergen exposure (within reason). For example, see if there are plants, pets or other items in the classroom that may cause allergens. In the meantime, teach children to wash his/her hands after playing outside during recess so that dirty, allergen-filled hands don’t touch their eyes and nose. http://www.aafa.org/display.cfm?id=9&cont=82

As noted in the introduction, pollen season varies by geographical location as plants grow and pollinate at different times. When traveling, note how the landscape and climate may affect your symptoms and plan for treatment appropriately. Don’t let allergens affect how you live your life. Plan for symptoms management and then get outside!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SoPxuHVbhAQ

You're not the only one to suffer from seasonal allergies! In this clip, Ellen Degeneres, the comedian with her own afternoon talk show, discusses her experience with allergies and how she has tried to address symptoms. This lighthearted monologue really demonstrates how common seasonal allergies are since most of the laughing audience can relate to Ellen's plight!

The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please contact a doctor before using the information presented here.