North Richmond Today

• In the spring, seasonal allergies are typically triggered by tree pollen and grass.
• Allergy sufferers can take precautions, such as monitoring the pollen count and showering after coming inside.
• ENT physicians offer treatments like allergy drops or shots.

Dr. John Ditto of Richmond Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers discussed the different ways of treating allergies in an interview with North Richmond Today.

"In the United States, there are three ways to treat patients," Ditto said. "Allergy shots are one way, or what we call subcutaneous immunotherapy. The second is sublingual therapy, which is drops. It's the allergy drops given just like the shots, except you put it under your tongue. And then there are sublingual tablets that are approved in the United States by the FDA. The sublingual drops have not been approved yet in this country; however, in Europe, it's been approved and is widely used, and they've even gotten away from the subcutaneous injections. Because even though (shots are) fairly safe, sublingual therapy is safer."

According to the Flonase website, spring allergy season can begin as early as February and last through the start of summer. Common triggers include tree pollen early in the spring season and grass pollen later on. Increased levels of rain during the spring can also lead to faster plant growth, which can cause an increase in mold spores.

Yale Medicine reported that the 50 million Americans who suffer from seasonal allergies might experience symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, congestion, itchy eyes, a runny nose and fatigue. Those seeking testing for allergies typically have two options. The first is a skin prick test, during which a doctor inserts a tiny amount of potential allergens under the skin of the patient's upper arm. The affected area will become red and swollen if the patient has an allergy, and patients tend to receive their results in one to two days.

The second option is a blood test, during which the patient's blood is drawn and tested for allergens in a lab. While this testing method takes longer to produce results, it also allows doctors to test for more allergens than they would during a skin test.

According to Mayo Clinic, an effective way to minimize spring allergy symptoms is to stay indoors on dry, windy days when pollen is more likely to be spreading. Allergy sufferers are also encouraged to shower after coming indoors to remove pollen from their skin. Checking the pollen count through local news outlets or the Internet can help people with allergies plan for when it is best to stay indoors with the windows shut.

Allergy sufferers can also try over-the-counter remedies such as oral decongestants, antihistamines or nasal sprays. If those remedies don't ease the allergy symptoms, alternative treatments such as allergy shots or immunotherapy could provide relief.

To learn more about the symptoms of allergies and sinusitis, take this Sinus Self-Assessment Quiz.