Stop Sneezing! Reduce Spring Allergies Now

The grass is green, the flowers are blooming, the sun is shining and the weather is warming up.

The only thing missing from this picture of spring is you sneezing.

It’s just one downside to the longer days and beautiful weather that come with the new season.

While there’s a beauty to seeing flowers and trees come back to life after winter, it’s the blooming process that releases pollen into the atmosphere. This is when the sneezing and sniffling ensues.

“Pollen is the biggest trigger for spring allergies. These tiny grains are released into the air by trees, grass and weeds in order to fertilize other plants. But when pollen grains get into the nose of someone who is allergic, their immune system kicks into overdrive,” says Dr. Robert Mentyka, an allergist at Geisinger-Scenery Park.

Your immune system sees pollen as a foreign invader and therefore releases antibodies, which normally attack bacteria and viruses.

“Allergy antibodies release histamine and a number of other chemicals that trigger your runny nose, itchy and watery eyes and other allergy symptoms,” Mentyka explains.

If you are one of the 35 million Americans that are sensitive to pollen, there are some things you can do to lessen the symptoms now and when plants are in full bloom.

“Before trees begin blooming and releasing pollen into the air, you can start taking an over-the-counter antihistamine like Allegra, Zyrtec, Claritin or a similar generic medication. An antihistamine will reduce the amount of histamine in your body,” Dr. Mentyka says. 

Also, there are two over-the-counter intranasal corticosteroid sprays (Nasacort and Flonase) that inhibit release of the histamine and other chemicals to reduce symptoms. Or, you can also try a decongestant, which can help clear out mucus from your nasal passageways, relieving congestion and swelling.

Taking medication isn’t your only preventative option.

“You can use a saline spray to clean the pollen out of your nasal passages one to two times a day,” Mentyka suggests. Nasal saline spray can also help ease congestion and clear out clogged nasal passages faster than oral decongestants.

Timing matters too. Some days have high pollen counts, so limiting your time outside can help your symptoms. But this isn’t always practical. Many plants pollinate between 5 a.m. and 9 a.m., so avoiding or limiting your time outside during this time will help to ensure your symptoms don’t get worse.

“If you’re outside when the pollen count is high, you can pick up pollen in your hair, on your face and on your clothes. And it is worse if it’s windy – wind stirs the pollen around,” says Mentyka.

Fido is a pollen carrier too. So if you take your dog out for a walk, he will also be coming home with pollen on him.

“When you do go outside, even if you’re only in your own backyard, you should change your clothes and take a shower to get rid of as much pollen as possible,” Mentyka advises.

You may be tempted to open your windows to let the spring weather into your home, especially while you’re sleeping, but you’ll also be letting pollen in.

“When pollen counts are high, shut your windows and use your air conditioner instead. Doing this will ensure there is very little pollen in your home,” Mentyka says. Similarly, you should regularly change air filters in your home to make sure they’re properly preventing pollen and allergens from getting into your home.

Stop Sneezing! Reduce Spring Allergies Now