Nip Seasonal Allergies in the Bud
By Steve Bond

It starts with a tickle. Your nose begins to twitch. Your eyes water. Yes, my friend, you have seasonal allergies. Seasonal allergies, also known as hay-fever, or allergic rhinitis often peak in the spring as pollen counts begin to rise.

Symptoms of seasonal allergies include:

• sneezing
• runny or stuffy nose
• watery eyes
• itchy sinuses, throat, eyes, or ear canals
• ear congestion
• postnasal drainage

Less common symptoms include:

• coughing
• headache
• shortness of breath.

In the spring, the most common cause of allergies is pollen from trees such as birch, cedar, willow and chestnut. People who are affected by seasonal allergies react to the pollen or “allergens” by releasing inflammatory chemicals in their bodies called histamines.  These histamines then cause inflammation or swelling in the nose, eyes, and throat. 

Avoidance is a key component of seasonal allergy therapy.

Those who suffer from allergies may want to:

• stay indoors on dry, windy days
• delegate lawn mowing, weed pulling and other gardening chores that stir up allergens
• remove clothes you’ve worn outside
• not hang laundry outside — pollen can stick to sheets and towels.

For those who are unable or unwilling to shelter themselves from the world, medications may alleviate the symptoms. Medications to treat allergies include antihistamines, decongestants, and steroids. 

Antihistamines block the effects of histamine on the body and belong to two classes:

1. first-generation (Benadryl®, Chlor-Tripolon®)
2. second-generation (Reactine®, Aerius®, Claritin®). 

The primary difference between the two classes is that the first generation are much more likely to cause drowsiness than the other.  

Decongestants work to shrink swollen blood vessels in the nose to relieve the congestion. They may cause problems for people with conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes, and it’s best to consult your pharmacist before using them. Inhaled decongestants work quickly, but overuse or using for more than four to five days can cause rebound congestion where the symptoms worsen with continued use.

In certain cases, prescription medications such as steroids may be prescribed. These can be oral, inhaled or nasal. The advantage of nasal steroids is that they treat the symptoms without causing rebound congestion, and many are safe for adults and young children.  Other prescription medications include antihistamine eye drops which relieve the itch and irritation to the eyes. For some, resorting to allergy shots can be a final answer.   

Take care of yourselves and each other.