Allergy Season Survival Guide: Top Tips to Avoid Sniffles

When traditional treatment with allergy medication fails, it may be time to see an ENT specialist. This professional is a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating conditions that affect the ears, nose, throat, and other related structures to the head and neck. Given that this is where most people with allergies experience symptoms, these professionals can offer relief. Before taking this step, though, learn the different ways you should try to manage your allergies first before seeking formal medical attention.

Understanding Seasonal Allergies  

First and foremost, it’s worth looking at what causes seasonal allergies in the first place. Common allergens such as pollen from trees, grass, and weeds, are the first type that many people experience. The pollen levels in the air often spike in the spring when flora and fauna begin to bloom after the winter months, which is why the majority of allergy sufferers experience allergies around this time. 

However, mold spores and dust mites can actually trigger your allergy symptoms too, which can lead to perennial (year-round) allergy symptoms. This means you may get no relief at all throughout the year. When allergens enter your body, they trigger an immune response that releases histamines. Essentially, your body’s immune system thinks it’s under attack and does this as a response. Histamines cause inflammation in the nose, sinuses, throat, and ears. This, among other symptoms, can lead to postnasal drip, sinus pressure, and other issues.  

Common Allergy Symptoms: When to See an ENT Specialist

The first step in knowing when it’s time to make the trip to an ENT specialist is recognizing your allergy symptoms and their severity. The common symptoms of seasonal allergies predominantly include:

• Sneezing 

• Nasal congestions

• Runny nose

• Itchy eyes

• Sore throat

• Watery eyes

While most people who experience seasonal allergies will get the above symptoms, they will only get them to varying degrees. There is a difference between allergy symptoms and colds as well, which is worth noting. For example, if your symptoms seem to go away or subside substantially when you go indoors, it’s more likely allergies. Additionally, if you have a fever or notice that the mucus is yellow or green, then you may actually be sick.

Knowing when to see an ENT specialist is important as they can help treat your allergies more directly. Generally speaking, it is advised to see such a specialist if your symptoms are lasting longer than usual or worsen despite your treating them. Also, recurrent sinus infections or nasal congestion that doesn’t improve is a clear indicator to see a specialist. If you have persistent ear problems such as pressure, pain, or infections linked to allergies, as well as difficulty breathing or sleeping due to blockage, reach out to a specialist as soon as possible.

Daily Strategies to Reduce Allergy Symptoms  

While dealing with allergies on a daily basis is frustrating, there are actionable tips you can use to improve your quality of life: 

1. Minimizing Exposure to Allergens

First and foremost, take a look at the pollen counts in your area on a daily basis and do your best to stay indoors on days where the count is high. Keep windows closed and use air conditioning with HEPA filters to try and reduce allergens from the air. If you have been outside, make an effort to wash your hands and face to remove pollen from the surface of your body, as well as change your clothes and shower before bed to avoid bringing allergens with you. 

2. Adjust Your Home Environment

Within your home itself, consider setting up HEPA air purifiers in the bedrooms and common areas. Always regularly clean and vacuum with a HEPA-filter as well to clear out allergens. All bedding, curtains, and stuffed animals should be washed weekly with hot water as well to purify the allergens. If possible, reduce the humidity levels in your home as well to stop mold growth if it is an allergen of yours. 

3. Take Outdoor Precautions

Finally, should you need to go outdoors, then wear sunglasses and a hat to try and reduce your pollen exposure. In general, avoid gardening or any yard work during peak pollen times as this may make symptoms worse. It can also benefit you to rinse your nasal passages before and after going outdoors to clear out allergens within.  

Medications and Treatment Options for Allergies

If your allergies are so bad that you need medications or treatments, rest assured knowing there are options available to you. Over-the-counter relief in the form of antihistamines such as Claritin, Zyrtec, and Allegra can help to combat classic symptoms like sneezing and a runny nose, whereas nasal corticosteroids like Flonase and Nasacort can reduce inflammation. Be wary of long-term use with decongestants like Sudafed, but know that they can be helpful for serious congestion as well. 

If the above medications aren’t providing you with relief, then you may need to visit an ENT specialist to get stronger antihistamines or corticosteroids. These stronger variations are more likely to be prescribed to treat asthma-like symptoms, but there may be a combination of treatments that are tailored to you if your case is severe. 

For long-term solutions, allergy immunotherapy can be a potential solution. Allergy shots work off subcutaneous immunotherapy and help your body build resistance to its triggers. Sublingual immunotherapy, which involves under-the-tongue tablets, can also be beneficial for certain allergies. 

Maintain effective long-term allergy management solutions

By taking action and avoiding your allergens, using medications strategically, and adapting your lifestyle, you can reduce the effect allergies have on your daily life. Consult with an ENT specialist if you ever feel that you need a tailored treatment plan due to your allergies getting out of control. By taking proactive steps, you can enhance long-term allergy control and reduce the impact allergies have on you.