Nothing to sneeze at: Expert tips on coping with spring allergies

Spring is just around the corner — and so are those annoying spring allergy symptoms. If your first signs of spring aren't a robin or crocus in the yard but itchy eyes, wheezing, sneezing and/or congestion, you'll want to learn the best ways to handle seasonal pollen allergies, which are a type of hay fever.

"Not everyone suffers from severe allergy symptoms, but allergies and asthma are conditions that often require treatment," said allergist James Tracy, DO, president of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI). "Many people who have allergies, asthma or eczema don't realize how much better they can feel after receiving appropriate treatment for their condition."

The expert ACAAI allergists offer their top suggestions for preventing exposure to allergens and treating your symptoms, so you can start enjoying the delights of the season.

Reduce your exposure

If you know which allergens trigger your symptoms, you'll want to start limiting your exposure early.

• Pollen count: Start monitoring the pollen count in your area now so you can limit outdoor exposure when counts are high. Keep in mind — pollen counts tend to peak midday.
• Close the windows: Resist the temptation to open windows when temps start to warm up. Instead, close windows (in your car and at home) and let your HVAC system filter contaminants like pollen or mold spores in the air.
• Check your filters: Change your HVAC filter frequently, especially during your worst allergy months. Opt for an HVAC filter with a MERV rating of 11 or 12 for best results.
• Leave it outside: Keep pollen and other allergens outside as much as possible by cleaning shoes before entering the house, then taking shoes off and storing them by the door. If you've spent time outdoors, you may want to change clothes and launder what you've been wearing. Don't hang bedding or clothes outdoors to dry, as you'll simply be collecting more allergens to bring inside. Shower before bed so you don't sleep on pollen that's accumulated on your body or in your hair.
• Protect your eyes: Wearing sunglasses when you're outdoors can help reduce exposing your eyes to pollen in the air.

Get tested

Even if you think you know what you're allergic to, that may not be the full story. And your allergies can change over time. The only way to be sure about what's triggering your allergies is to get tested by a board-certified allergist. An allergist can work with you to identify your personal allergen sensitivity profile and get your symptoms under control.

Allergists test to determine exactly what's causing your symptoms, and help you develop a treatment plan tailored to your unique needs. To locate an allergist in your area, visit ACAAI.org/find-an-allergist.

Discover treatment options

If you've tried over-the-counter allergy medications and been frustrated by poor results, talk to your allergist about the best treatment options for your situation. Be aware that common over-the-counter medications like pseudoephedrine may be effective, but they also have side effects. Your allergist might recommend a prescription medication instead of over-the-counter treatments.

Depending on the severity of your symptoms, your allergist may also suggest allergen immunotherapy, either in shot or tablet form. Immunotherapy can be a long-term solution to modify your immune system's response to specific allergens.

"If it seems as though you're frequently getting sick with cold-like symptoms — especially during spring or fall — and you aren't sure about the cause, you could benefit from seeing an allergist," said Dr. Tracy. "Even if you've never been aware of having allergies in the past, they can develop over time. Allergy symptoms often have a negative impact on your quality of life, but you can experience relief with a treatment plan that's right for you."

Board-certified allergists are trained and experienced in finding the causes of your most troublesome symptoms, so you can find answers — and relief. Learn more about when you should see an allergist at ACAAI.org.