Battling Spring Allergies

Do you notice sniffling, sneezing, and itchy eyes every year when the weather starts to warm up? These are signs of seasonal allergies, which are also known as allergic rhinitis or hay fever. Seasonal allergies can be a nuisance, but you don’t have to stand by and wait for the season to change to get better. 

Chad W. Mayer, DO, and the team at Allergy and Asthma Institute of Southeast Michigan in Farmington Hills, Michigan, specialize in rapid allergy treatment to boost your immune system before your seasonal allergies peak. Allergy treatment can reduce the severity of uncomfortable allergic symptoms that flare up in the spring. 

In this article, we’ll cover everything you should know about battling seasonal allergies on your own and with professional care. 

Recognizing seasonal allergies

Seasonal allergies or hay fever can cause an allergic reaction called allergic rhinitis, which tends to involve the eyes and sinuses. Plants that bloom in the spring, like sagebrush and ragweed, release pollen into the air. When you breathe it in, your immune system may react as if it were something harmful to your health. 

Allergic rhinitis can range in severity. Generally, these are the most common symptoms of seasonal allergies:

• Sneezing
• Nose irritation
• Runny nose
• Itchy or watery eyes
• Sinus pressure
• Breathing problems

If you’re not sure if you have seasonal allergies or if your symptoms come from another allergy, allergy testing can give you a definitive answer. Allergy testing can tell you which specific springtime allergens are irritating your sinuses. 

Managing seasonal allergies at home

Avoiding airborne pollens can be almost impossible, but there are steps you can take to manage mild seasonal allergies at home. An indoor air purifier can help minimize the amount of pollen inside your home or workplace. 

There are also dozens of antihistamine medications available over the counter (without a prescription). Taking them may reduce your allergy symptoms, but they can cause drowsiness. Be sure to always read the label and avoid alcohol while taking antihistamines. 

Some people only experience hay fever symptoms for a few days, but other people can have seasonal allergies for months at a time. If your allergy symptoms continue to bother you, consider visiting Allergy and Asthma Institute of Southeast Michigan for allergy treatment. 

How treatments for seasonal allergies work 

The team at Allergy and Asthma Institute of Southeast Michigan individualizes your allergy treatment based on your needs and preferences. Your treatment plan for seasonal allergies might include one or more of these treatments:

Prescription medications

Prescription medications are often stronger than over-the-counter options and can reduce seasonal allergy symptoms while they’re active. Corticosteroid nasal spray, mast cell stabilizers, and leukotriene inhibitors are examples of medications you may be prescribed. 

Immunotherapy 

Immunotherapy is a treatment to build your body’s tolerance to specific allergens. You receive a series of allergy shots that contain tiny amounts of the allergen to teach your immune system to ease up on the reaction. 

Rush immunotherapy

Rush immunotherapy or rapid allergy treatment is a faster version of regular immunotherapy, which may be beneficial for seasonal allergies with a quick turnaround. This option takes weeks or months, whereas typical immunotherapy can take years. 

Get in touch

If your seasonal allergy symptoms are bothering you, don’t hesitate to contact Allergy and Asthma Institute of Southeast Michigan. Call the office to book an appointment today.