It may still be cold outside, but now is the time to start preparing for spring allergies. An allergist explains why.
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CLEVELAND – If you’re prone to spring allergies, it’s time to start preparing.
According to Sandra Hong, MD, allergist with Cleveland Clinic, even though it’s still considered winter, many are already experiencing symptoms.
“As we start getting warmer days and there is less snow on the ground, we’ll start to see the trees start budding,” said Dr. Hong. “Tree season is the springtime, and we get a lot more pollination during that period of time, and so it’s floating in the air, and we absolutely can start getting allergy symptoms.”
Dr. Hong said common allergy symptoms include itchy eyes, nose and throat, sneezing, coughing, congestion and postnasal drip.
So, what can you do to help provide some relief?
She suggests keeping your windows closed. It may be tempting to open them up as the weather warms, but it’s an easy way for pollen to get into your home.
You should also change your clothes and take a shower at night so you’re not bringing anything in from outside.
Pets who go outside should stay off your bed too.
“The types of medications that work extremely well for allergies are the nasal steroids. There are also nasal antihistamines that can help if the nasal steroids aren’t,” said Dr. Hong. “And then the oral antihistamines can actually help a lot more with the itching and the sneezing and the dripping.”
Dr. Hong said if you continue to have issues with your allergies or aren’t sure what kind you have, it’s best to consult with an allergist.
