Though it’s still winter, Nebraskans may begin to develop the telltale allergy symptoms of sneezing, nasal congestion, itchy and runny noses and watery eyes.
Trees in Nebraska will begin pollinating this month and will be in full swing in April, said Jill Poole, M.D., University of Nebraska Medical Center allergist and associate professor in the department of internal medicine.
Allergic rhinitis — or allergies — are the body’s immune system reacting to a normally harmless substance. In the spring, summer and fall, tiny pollen grains are released from trees, weeds and grasses into the air.
“This year we’ve seen tree pollen counts a little earlier, even in January, but we still expect it to continue in March, April and even into May,” Dr. Poole said. “I advise people to get their medications out and get on board before they get behind the eight ball on their allergy symptoms.”
About 20 percent to 40 percent of Americans suffer from seasonal allergies. Dr. Poole said if you have allergy symptoms and over-the-counter medications don’t work well, she recommends getting tested.
Dr. Poole said getting tested for allergies may be beneficial.
“If you know what you’re allergic to, you may be able to change things in your environment, or there are prescription medications and allergy desensitization programs,” Dr. Poole said. “Desensitization involves exposing patients with low doses of the allergens and then increasing it over time, which ultimately desensitizes them and makes them have less symptoms.”
She said new medications also may help.
“For certain people, there are injections and some might qualify for sublingual tablets. For asthmatics we have aggressive, anti-allergy asthma therapy, and there are new types of nasal sprays that might be stronger than some of the old ones that patients have used in the past.”
For those who take over-the-counter medications and experience tiredness, she suggests starting with a half-dose for a week or two to let the body adjust and then try going to a higher dose. “If you still get drowsy on the antihistamines, which some people do, then you might need prescription nasal sprays instead of the pills,” Dr. Poole said.
Other tips to lessen the uncomfortable effects of allergies include:
- Over-the-counter nasal-sinus irrigation products. Avoid nasal decongestant sprays.
- Over-the-counter antihistamines are non-sedating and also can be beneficial.
- Shut windows, run the air conditioner, shower or wash your hands or face after being outside to get off allergens.
For more information about allergies, go to www.aaaai.org.
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