How to Help Seasonal Allergies 

 

by Rosalyn Carson-DeWitt, MD

Spring is in the air, and along with it, many different allergens that can irritate people who suffer from seasonal allergies. Allergic rhinitis is irritation and inflammation in the nasal passages after exposure to allergens.

Allergens are substances that cause an abnormal response of the immune system. The response can includes swelling of the nasal passage, runny or itchy nose, watery eyes, congestion and congestion pain, and sneezing.

An allergic reaction occurs when your body’s immune system overreacts to an allergen. When you breathe in an allergen, cells in your nasal passages release a chemical called histamine. Histamine causes your nose to feel itchy and creates swelling and mucus production in the nasal passages.

Exposure to the allergen can cause:

• Sneezing
• Itching in the nose, eyes, throat, and ears
• Red, watery eyes
• Runny nose, nasal congestion
• Congestion with sinus pressure
• Postnasal drip and cough
• Headache
• Dark circles under your eyes

Recommendations

Dust mite reduction:

• Wash pillows and bed sheets regularly in hot water.
• Remove carpeting, feather pillows, and upholstered furniture, especially in bedroom.
• Keep clothes off bedroom floor.
• Use acaricides solutions to kill dust mites.
• Keep humidity levels < 50%.
• Use double-bag vacuum bags and HEPA filters.

Mold exposure reduction:

• Wear facemasks when working with soil, leaves, or compost.
• Try to avoid moist, damp areas within the home.
• Use a dehumidifier in places like your basement that may encourage mold growth.
• Repair leaky roofs or pipes.

Animal allergen reduction:

• Removal of pet from home is most efficient option. It may take 4-6 months to clear the home of pet allergens.
• If you wish to keep pets, keep your pet out of bedroom and off of furniture.
• Frequent vacuuming or removal of rugs

Pollen reduction:

• Be aware of pollen levels and limit your exposure on high days:
• Stay indoors and keep windows closed.
• Consider using an air purifier inside
• Do not dry clothes outside.
• Shower once you get home. Keep clothes contaminated with pollen out of the bedroom.

General reduction techniques:

• Use petroleum jelly on the nostrils. The jelly may catch some of the allergens before they pass into the nose.
• Nasal filters—device inserted into the nostrils that can filter allergens before they reach the nose
• A Neti Pot, nasal sinus rinse, or saline nasal spray may help clear irritants from the nasal passage after exposure. It may also help loosen congestion.
• Though reducing allergens can help, it is not possible to completely eliminate all allergens. Consult your doctor to determine the best course of action for your allergic condition.

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