Spring is a season many look forward to, but for millions of Americans with seasonal allergies—impacting 30% of adults and 40% of children—it can be tough. Blooming flowers and budding trees are beautiful, but their pollen often triggers sneezing, itchy eyes, and other allergy symptoms.
Dr. Lisa Hutto is a trusted South Carolina expert in allergy care. She specializes in diagnosing and treating various allergies using advanced methods, including allergy shots. By providing personalized care, we help you find relief and enjoy the season. Ready to take control of your allergies? Schedule an appointment today!
With personalized care and smart strategies, easing seasonal allergies is possible—read on to learn how to prepare for spring and reduce your discomfort.
Tips for Reducing Allergen Exposure During Allergy Season
- Minimize exposure to common seasonal allergy triggers, such as tree pollen and mold, by staying indoors during high-pollen times.
- Keep windows closed during peak pollen hours to block allergens like tree pollen from entering your home.
- Avoid mowing the lawn and limit contact with flowering plants to reduce exposure to allergens.
- Use air purifiers with HEPA filters to reduce airborne allergens and maintain cleaner indoor air.
- Consider allergy medications or nasal sprays to manage symptoms caused by seasonal triggers or exposure to particular food allergens.
Steps to Create an Allergy-Friendly Home Environment
- Vacuum frequently with a HEPA filter vacuum to remove allergens like dust and pet dander.
- Wash bedding and curtains regularly to eliminate trapped allergens.
- Seal cracks and gaps in windowsor doors to prevent outdoor allergens from entering.
- Opt for hard flooring over carpet when possible, as carpets can harbor allergens.
Timing Outdoor Activities and Protective Measures
- Plan outdoor activities for late afternoon or after rain, as pollen levels are typically lower during these times.
- Wear a mask when working outdoors to limit direct exposure to airborne allergens.
- Shower and change clothes immediately after outdoor activities to avoid bringing allergens inside.
Effective Treatments to Manage Seasonal Allergy Symptoms
Over-the-counter antihistamines and decongestants can ease allergy symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, and congestion by blocking histamines or reducing nasal swelling. Natural remedies like saline sprays may also help with mild symptoms. Check with a healthcare professional to ensure they're safe for you.
Benefits of Nasal Irrigation and Saline Sprays
- Relieves Nasal Congestion: Helps clear mucus and allergens from the nasal passages, improving airflow.
- Reduces Irritation: Moisturizes dry nasal membranes, soothing irritation caused by allergens or dry air.
- Supports Sinus Health: Promotes healthy sinus function by flushing out irritants and pollutants.
- Non-Medicated Relief: Offers a natural and drug-free option for managing mild allergy symptoms.
- Easy to Use: Convenient and simple to incorporate into a daily self-care routine.
If saline sprays or other OTC remedies aren’t helping and symptoms persist, it’s time to see a healthcare provider. They can assess if you need prescription treatments like antihistamines or nasal corticosteroids.
What Are Allergy Shots (Immunotherapy)?
Allergy shots, a form of allergen immunotherapy, is a long-term treatment designed to reduce sensitivity to allergens. They work by introducing small doses of the allergen into your body over time, gradually helping your body's immune system build tolerance. This can significantly reduce allergic symptoms like itchy nose, watery eyes, and stuffy nose, while also helping manage allergy asthma and allergic rhinitis. Allergy shots address the underlying cause of allergic reactions rather than just masking the symptoms.
How Do They Provide Long-Term Allergy Relief?
Allergy shots work by desensitizing your immune system to allergens like pollen, dust mites, pet dander, or certain foods, targeting the root cause of allergies. They are highly effective for severe symptoms, often providing lasting relief after treatment. With regular shots, many people reduce their need for nasal steroids and other medications while better managing allergic triggers.
Who Should Consider Allergy Shots?
Allergy shots are great for people with moderate to severe allergies that don’t improve with nasal steroids or other treatments or for those wanting to use fewer medications. They work well for hay fever, allergic rhinitis, asthma, and insect stings. They may also help with food allergies or difficulties avoiding allergens. Your medical history and symptom severity, like asthma attacks, can help determine if immunotherapy is right for you.
The Process and Effectiveness
The treatment has two phases: the build-up phase, where small amounts of the allergen are gradually increased weekly or bi-weekly, and the maintenance phase, with less frequent shots, usually monthly. This gradual exposure helps the body adjust and reduces immune overreactions. The process typically takes 3 to 5 years and can greatly improve the quality of life. Allergy shots effectively reduce symptoms like itchy or stuffy noses and watery eyes and even help prevent asthma attacks, offering long-term relief by targeting the immune response to allergens.
Manage Your Allergies Today With Dr. Lisa Hutto
Allergy shots offer long-term relief for persistent allergies, improving quality of life. Dr. Lisa Hutto is here to guide you through this treatment.
Don’t wait—schedule an appointment with Dr. Lisa Hutto’s practice today. Whether it’s seasonal allergies or severe reactions, we offer personalized allergy shot treatments. Contact us to start finding relief!
