According to a study published in the journal Allergy, “It is estimated that pollen allergies affect approximately 40% of allergic individuals.” And for many of these allergy sufferers, tree pollen specifically is to blame for their symptoms. Below we review how to manage tree pollen allergies.
Know Your Triggers
First and foremost, you should know what trees are causing your symptoms. This way, you know what not to plant in your yard and what areas to avoid at Waterfront Park in Charleston. An allergy test conducted by an expert allergist at Charleston ENT & Allergy can provide this information.
Practice Avoidance
Although it’s not possible to avoid the tree pollen you’re allergic to 100% of the time, as it can float in the air for miles and miles, there are ways to limit exposure to it. For example, you can:
- Keep your windows closed.
- Avoid going outside when pollen counts are highest, which is from mid-morning through the afternoon.
- Showering and changing clothes right away after spending time outdoors.
- Delegating outside chores to someone else, or hiring a professional.
- Running your air conditioning to filter out allergens.
- Bathing indoor/outdoor pets weekly.
Take Medications
There are many medications available over-the-counter that can help prevent or relieve an allergy attack. These include:
- Antihistamines
- Corticosteroids
- Decongestants
- Eye drops
- Nasal sprays
Talk to your allergist or pharmacist to see what is safe for you to take.
Undergo Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is a long-term solution for treating allergies. It works by introducing small amounts of allergens into your body so your immune system can develop a tolerance over time. There are two forms of immunotherapy: allergy shots and allergy drops.
- Allergy shots, also known as subcutaneous immunotherapy, are administered in an allergist’s office in two phases, the buildup phase and the maintenance phase.
- Allergy drops, also known as sublingual immunotherapy, are administered at home, other than the first dose, and may be taken just during allergy season or year-round.
You can discuss with your allergist whether either of these would be an appropriate treatment for you.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, call Charleston ENT & Allergy today.