Spring ishere, and while it brings flowers and pleasant weather, it alsoinvitesalong the most unwelcomeof guests– seasonal allergies. Dr. Masayoshi Takashima, chair of the Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery at Houston Methodist,hasanswersforcommonly askedquestions aboutcoping withseasonal allergies.
Question: What can you do to prevent seasonal allergies?
Dr. Takashima:Prevention islargely aboutminimizing exposure. Showering before bed helps remove pollen from your hair and skin. Using HEPA air filters in the bedroom can reduce indoor allergens. Wearing hats and sunglasses outdoors can limit pollen exposure. Regularly washing sheets in hot water and using dust mite covers on bedding are also important.
Q:Isallergyseason getting longer or worse each year?
Dr. Takashima:Yes. Research shows pollen seasons are getting longer,largely due towarmer temperatures. As a result, more people are experiencing allergy symptomsthatmay last longer than they did in the past.
Q:What trusted source do you recommend someoneuseto find out their local allergen count?
Dr. Takashima:I recommend usinglocation-specific websites and mobile apps that track local allergens, as well as resources such as pollen.com. These tools track tree, grass,weed pollenandmold spores and can help people connect their symptoms towhat is happening in the environment.
Q:At what point do you need to see a doctor for seasonal allergies?
Dr. Takashima:You should see a doctor if allergy symptoms are affecting your quality of life,sleepor ability to focus or if they are worsening asthma symptoms. If over-the-counter medications are not helping, there are effective medical treatments available beyond basic allergy medicines.
Q: What options are available for those suffering from the most severe allergies?
Dr. Takashima:For patients with the most severe allergies, there are several options beyondbasic over-the-counter medications. In addition to prescription nasal sprays, antihistamines and immunotherapy such as allergy shots or drops taken under the tongue, Houston Methodist also offers a minimally invasive, in-office procedure that targets the posterior nasal nerve. This procedure helps reducenervesignals that drive chronic nasal symptoms like congestion andarunny nose. It has shown high effectiveness, carriesa low riskofcomplicationsand can be a good option for patients whose symptoms significantly affect their quality of life despite standard treatments.
Q: Are there any natural remedies for allergies?
Dr. Takashima:Yes. Allergies happen because the immune system overreacts to things like pollen, dustmitesor pet dander. Natural approaches focus on reducing exposure and inflammation. Simple steps such as nasal irrigation, showering beforebedand using HEPA air filters can help remove allergens and reduce symptoms. These strategies can bevery effectivefor mild to moderate allergies.
Q: What are your toptips for at-home remedies to manage your allergies?
Dr. Takashima:Nasal irrigation is one of the most effective at-home remedies because it flushes allergens out of the nasal passages. Showering before bed, using HEPA airfiltersand controlling dust mites by washing beddingfrequentlyalsomakea big difference. These steps work together to reduce allergen exposurein the placeswhere people spendthemost time.
Q:Should you do a nasal rinse?
Dr. Takashima:Yes. Nasal irrigation is a common and effective natural remedy. I often describe it as cleaning the body’s air filter.Flushing allergens out of the nosecan significantly reduce congestion and irritation.
Q:Is it better to do a nasal rinse daily vs. as needed for allergy management?
Dr. Takashima:It depends on the individual. The frequency should be personalized based on how severe your allergies are, how often you have symptoms and your lifestyle and exposure. During high allergy seasons, being proactive and using nasal rinses more regularly can be helpful. As symptoms improve, many people can scale back to using them as needed.
Q: Why does one side of my nose feel congested while the other one is fine?
Dr. Takashima:This is usually a normal,physiologicalprocess. Inside the nose are structures calledturbinatesthat help regulate airflow, humidify theairand filter what we breathe in. They naturally swell and shrink in an alternating cycle, so one side of the nose is often more open while the other is more congested.
If you also have allergies,the extrainflammation can make the congestion more noticeable.Increased blood flow can cause theturbinatesto swell further.You tend to notice this morewhen you are lying down because more blood flows to the head when your heart and head are at the same level.In many cases, simply sitting up,standingor changing positions allows the congestion to improve within a few minutes.
