You may think just because the leaves aren’t on the trees that you don’t have to worry about springtime allergies.
Think again.
Avoiding the worst of spring’s hay fever symptoms means taking action before the pollen starts swirling. The exact timing of that magic window depends on how mild the winter was, but it’s usually a safe bet in the Southeastern U.S. to start taking an over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamine in February.
While most antihistamines start working in an hour or two, they don’t reach peak efficacy for several days or even weeks. “They’re most effective when taken before you have symptoms,” says Dr. Marc Cromie of Chattanooga Allergy Clinic. “Once the pollen starts everything gets inflamed and it can be really difficult to catch up.”
It is possible to get a handle on springtime sneezing. As with most things, the best strategy is a multi-tiered approach including medicine, homeopathic methods and prevention, including allergy immunotherapy for persistent cases.
MEDICINE:
Antihistamines are the mainstays of over-the-counter therapy, says Dr. Cromie. They’re less expensive, safer and more effective than ever, with limited side effects such as drowsiness. Avoid “D” formulations however. They contain a decongestant, which you won’t need if you start early enough.
If you’re still experiencing hay fever symptoms in the peak of the pollen, experiment with other brands. Some may work better for you than others.
Here are a few options:
- Loratadine (Claritin, Alavert) – One of the first non-drowsy antihistamines on the market, Loratadine takes up to three hours to take effect.
- Cetirizine (Zyrtec Allergy, others) – Starts working within one hour. Also available in liquid gel.
- Fexofenadine (Allegra Allergy) – Allegra is the only fast-acting formula (within an hour) that doesn’t have a “may cause drowsiness” warning label.
- Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) – Effective but can make you drowsy, so recommended to take at night.
HOMEOPATHIC:
Nasal irrigation, such as a neti pot, can be tremendously helpful for sinus sufferers. The saltwater mixture flushes pollen and other irritants out of the nasal passages and helps clear thick mucus that causes congestion. It’s a good idea to only use for a few weeks at a time when feeling stuffy. A study by the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology suggests that prolonged use can wash away beneficial mucus and its antiviral properties.
There are several different products on the market such as a bulb syringe, squeeze bottle or neti pot. All serve the same basic function, so experiment and stick with whichever method you prefer.
PREVENTION:
In Chattanooga, pollen can begin in February or March. It’s microscopic and often goes unnoticed – the yellow pollen we see is larger particles and usually too heavy to be allergenic. Here are some ways to prevent exposure:
- Change clothes after outdoor activities and be sure to shower each night to wash off pollen and other irritants.
- Keep your pets from tracking in trouble by wiping your dog or cat with a damp towel before they come inside.
- Wear a mask when mowing the lawn or doing other yard work. Or better yet, delegate to someone else. (“That’s my favorite trick,” jokes Dr. Cromie.)
- Avoid early morning outdoor activities when pollen counts are the highest.
- Keep windows closed at home and in the car. Set your car’s air conditioner on recirculate so allergens don’t hitch a ride.
STILL SUFFERING?
If you take all these steps and still have allergy symptoms, it’s time to see an allergist. Prescription medicines such as nasal sprays that are antihistamine or corticosteroid based can be helpful, and many now come in generic form.
Finally, allergy shots (immunotherapy) are an excellent option for persistent cases. “It’s more of a cure,” says Dr. Cromie. “You retrain the immune system through a series of injections containing small amounts of the allergen. It’s almost like a desensitization protocol. In Europe they call them ‘allergy vaccines’ because of their preventative qualities.”
Immunotherapy can take up to five years, but relief is usually found within three to six months. Shots are given weekly for four to six months, then gradually spaced out to every two weeks, called the maintenance dose. Chattanooga Allergy Clinic also offers an accelerated option, called rush. This protocol drastically speeds up the process, allowing you to reach the maintenance dose in anywhere from several visits to three months.
Allergy shots are the only proven method to actually cure allergy symptoms rather than cover them up like daily medicines do. Plus, recent studies have shown that immunotherapy can prevent asthma from developing by 50 percent.
And that’s nothing to sneeze at.