April Showers Bring May Flowers – and Allergies!

Spring is a favorite season for many people. The weather gets warmer, the flowers start blossoming – but it’s also one of the worst times for allergies. Here in Texas, the peak allergy season in Spring is due to trees and occurs from February to April, but it can still linger throughout May. Around 20% of the U.S. population suffers from seasonal allergies, so if you drew straws with your friends there’s a 1 in 5 chance you’ll be sneezing this Spring! The most common symptoms of seasonal allergies include sneezing, a runny nose, nasal itching, congestion, cough, irritability, and fatigue. Other symptoms include itching of both eyes, both ears, and the upper mouth. People of all ages and sizes can be affected by allergies. However, if other people in your family have allergies, there’s a good chance you will too. If you have conditions like eczema or asthma, those also increase your likelihood of having season allergies. Most people’s allergies usually show up by adulthood; so if you don’t have any by then, chances are you aren’t affected by the local allergens. Pollen, which is a small particle released by plants into the air, is the main cause of seasonal allergies.

So, what are the symptoms to watch out for that may indicate you may have something more than just season allergies? If you have an associated fever with your symptoms, discharge or crusting of just one eye, a sore throat with white spots on your tonsils, worsening shortness of breath, or have recent contact with someone with similar symptoms, it is a good idea to go ahead and schedule an appointment with your primary care provider (PCP).

So, how do we treat these pesky Spring allergies? Treatment generally includes oral antihistamines, such as Zyrtec or Aller-tec, which can be taken once a day during peak allergy season to prevent symptoms. Nasal sprays and warm salt-water gargles can also help relieve a stuffy nose and sore throat, respectively. Another great strategy is to check your local weather forecast. Every day, local allergen levels are checked – if you notice that certain levels in your area are moderate or high, it’s best to stay in doors and wait till allergens are low. If your symptoms are very severe, you can ask your primary care physician for a referral to an allergist who can do a skin test. Your doctor will apply a microscopic dose of many different allergens on your skin and see to which allergens you react. This can help you figure out which allergens you are more sensitive to and help you avoid specific triggers.

So, remember to take your antihistamine the next time you plan that lovely Spring picnic in the park, because it’s a great time to be outdoors right now before Summer sweeps in and heats everything up!

Dr. Jarrar is a resident physician who sees patients of all ages and provides obstetrical services at Lone Star Family Health Center, a non-profit 501©3 Federally Qualified Health Center operating facilities in Conroe, Spring, Willis, Grangerland, and Huntsville, and serving as home to a fully integrated Family Medicine Residency Program to increase the number of Family Medicine physicians for Texas and our community.