A-choo! Spring allergy season is approaching | Corewell Health

Sniffing.

Sneeze.

Itchy, watery eyes.

If you are allergic, you know it well: it’s the season.

But spring and summer are also the season to get out into the warmer temperatures, which even allergy sufferers should be able to appreciate.

Ted KelbeIMDsection chief of allergy and immunology at Corewell Health in western Michigan, said there are many allergy treatment options to make this possible.

The biggest culprit of allergies in Michigan — in the spring and even beyond — is pollen, Dr. Kelbel said.

Tree pollen generally increases from April and continues through June. Grass pollen strikes from May to early July. Others strike later, including summer weeds through fall and ragweed in mid-August until the first frost.

Unfortunately, research from the University of Michigan shows that allergy seasons are likely to become longer and more intense thanks to rising temperatures due to climate change.

The study, supported by the National Science Foundation and published in Nature Communications, showed that annual pollen counts could increase by up to 200% each year.

By the year 2100, pollen allergy season could start up to 40 days earlier and last 19 days longer, according to research.

So who should you turn to first for help? Dr. Kelbel offered several tips for allergy home care.

Reduce exposure to pollen

Avoid known allergens as much as possible.

To avoid pollen, sleep with the windows closed and the air conditioning indoors as much as possible. Change your home’s air conditioning filters regularly to improve indoor air quality.

Also monitor pollen count daily with weather apps. Pollen usually counts by noon, so try to schedule outdoor activities in the morning or late afternoon.

When you come indoors after significant pollen exposure, remove the clothes you were wearing outside and take a shower to rinse the pollen from your hair and skin. And rinse your nose with saline spray to remove allergens.

Use OTC treatments

Use over-the-counter medications. Oral antihistamines are safe and useful for treating onset symptoms, Dr. Kelbel said.

He recommends cetirizine (brand name Zyrtec), loratadine (brand name Claritin), or fexofenadine (brand name Allegra). But he said to avoid diphenhydramine (brand name Benadryl) because it has a shorter duration of action and can be sedating, he said.

Patients can also buy nasal steroids (brand name Flonase) over-the-counter, but they should be used regularly for relief, not as needed, Dr. Kelbel said.

Also, don’t forget to treat the eyes. Antihistamine eye drops are available over the counter and may provide relief.

“An expert tip is to store them in the fridge, as a cool drop is nice on an irritated eye,” Dr. Kelbel said.

When to ask for help

If home care isn’t enough, Dr Kelbel urged patients to stop suffering and see their GP or allergist. Prescription medications may provide more relief than those available over the counter.

There are two other important reasons to see an allergist, he said.

The first is for those who want to identify their allergy triggers through testing, which can help develop avoidance strategies.

The second is for those seeking allergen immunotherapy (commonly known as “allergy shots”) to control symptoms and minimize the need for medication, Dr. Kelbel said.

Allergy shots have the potential to cure the allergy in the long run, but it takes time to reach the treatment dose and one needs to see an allergist, he said.

“These can be very helpful for those with significant symptoms,” Dr. Kelbel said.

Bottom Line: Don’t sneeze, sniffle or ache during allergy season. Experiment to find which medications are right for you, and seek help from a medical professional if you need it.