Spring is here. The air is warmer, the trees and grasses are beginning to bloom…releasing their pollen into the atmosphere. If you suffer from seasonal allergies, your annual ritual of spring sneezes and sniffles has probably already begun.
The biggest spring allergy trigger is pollen…those tiny grains released into the air by trees, grasses, and weeds for the purpose of fertilizing other plants. When the pollen gets into the nose of someone who’s allergic, it sends their immune system into overdrive. The pollen is seen as a foreign invader and antibodies are released. The antibodies attack the allergens, which leads to the release of chemicals called “histamines” into the blood. It’s the histamines that trigger your runny nose and itchy eyes.
What are the symptoms of spring allergies?
If you suffer, you already know, but a runny nose, itchy, watery eyes, coughing, sneezing, foggy thinking, chest congestion and dark circles under the eyes are all common symptoms. In Texas, allergies can present a year-round struggle for patients, but are now easier to test and treat.
Not sure if you have seasonal allergies? You can take a self evaluation quiz here.
What are the treatment options?
The only option previously available for allergy sufferers was allergy shots, which built up their immunity to environmental allergens. Dr. Shel can now treat the cause of your allergies safely and effectively without allergy shots. It’s called Sublingual Immunotherapy, or allergy drops.
Allergy Drops work similarly to allergy shots by slowly desensitizing you to the allergen over the course of a year or two. Allergy drops offer a more convenient seasonal allergy treatment method. They are safe and effective for all ages and our patients often notice immediate improvement. Most patients receiving allergy drops need only a few clinic visits the first year, and once every 6-12 months thereafter until visits are no longer needed which translates to lower cost and fewer office visits.
What are some other steps I can take to reduce symptoms?
Along with allergy drops, you can ease sniffling, sneezing, and watery eyes by avoiding your main allergy triggers. Here are a few suggestions:
- Try to stay indoors whenever the pollen count is very high, usually in the morning.
- Keep your doors and windows closed whenever possible.
- Clean the air filters in your home often.
- Invest in an air-purifier.
- Try nasal irrigation to clear nasal mucus…use warm, sterile salt water in a Neti Pot or syringe.
If you would like more information on Sublingual Immunotherapy, please request a consultation by calling 281-313-7435 or by submitting an online request form today!
