Allergy season is here, and it’s earlier and stronger than expected. More than 80 million Americans deal with itchy eyes, runny nose and other symptoms of seasonal allergies, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. The level of misery people will face depends on where they live and what they’re allergic to, but there are things you can do to feel better.
Pollen counts were high early. This season will be longer than other years, assuming the weather remains warm. Experts say climate change has led to longer and more intense allergy seasons.
There are three main types of pollen that cause seasonal allergies. Earlier in the spring, tree pollen is the main culprit. After that grasses pollinate, followed by weeds in the late summer and early fall. Some of the most common tree pollens that cause allergies include birch, cedar, cottonwood, maple, elm, oak and walnut, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Grasses that cause symptoms include Bermuda, Johnson, rye and Kentucky bluegrass.
The best and first step to controlling allergies is avoiding exposure. That’s easier said than done when everyone wants to enjoy spring weather. To prevent allergy issues, keep windows closed at home and in the car, avoid going out when pollen counts are highest, and change clothes when you get home.
The first thing to do to relieve allergy symptoms is to figure out is what specifically you’re allergic to, and many Americans are allergic to several things at once. Allergists can run tests for different triggers. Over-the-counter nasal sprays can help relieve symptoms, but they take a while to kick in, so it’s best to start them in early March.
Antihistamines are another option. Some patients benefit from switching to a similar brand if one stops working, but there isn’t much broader data to back the recommendation. For young children and people who have to take many different allergy medications, immunotherapies in the form of shots and oral drops can help desensitize the immune system to allergens, treating symptoms at their root.
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