Topic of the Month: May 2004: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Guide to Spring Allergies
Seasonal allergic rhinitis, also known as spring allergies or hay fever, is one of the most common allergic conditions in the United States, affecting 35.9 million people. This condition is responsible for approximately 16.7 million office visits to health care providers each year. If you are asking yourself why you feel so miserable the same time every year, you may be one of the millions of people who have seasonal allergies.
Spring allergies are caused by substances that trigger allergies, called allergens, such as airborne tree, grass and weed pollens or mold. Symptoms of spring allergies may include sneezing, congestion, runny nose, and itchiness in the nose, throat, eyes and ears.
Relief is in sight - Learn how to take control of your symptoms
Paul V. Williams, MD, is a Fellow of the AAAAI, and an expert on the subject of spring allergies. Below Dr. Williams answers commonly asked questions.
 I have seasonal allergies and my symptoms have gotten worse. What should I do now?
 Antihistamines and steroids taken through the nose can be very effective in controlling seasonal allergy symptoms. If you are already on those medications and are still having problems, you should consider consulting an allergist to find out if you would benefit from a course of allergen immunotherapy. If you do not have an allergist, use the AAAAI Physician Referral Directory to find one in your area.
What is allergen immunotherapy?
Immunotherapy is the injection of allergens into the skin of allergy patients on a regular schedule. This treatment can result in a decrease in reactivity of your immune system to these allergens. The decrease in reactivity should lead to a decrease or a prevention of your allergy symptoms.
 Learn more about immunotherapy
Why is immunotherapy so long? Is it worth my time?
Since you are allergic to the allergens that are injected into you, your allergist has to proceed very slowly to avoid any serious allergic reactions. Once you have reached a dose that controls your symptoms, the number of shots decreases, so the process is less time-consuming. The shots are given for long periods of time so that the effect lasts after you stop the shots. Allergy immunotherapy is successful in up to 90% of patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis and in 70%-80% of patients with year long allergies. Most of my patients who have undergone immunotherapy are very pleased with the results. I often hear them say "Why didn't I do this earlier?"
What is the best form of treatment for seasonal allergies?
Regular use of steroids taken through the nose with antihistamines taken as needed (oral, intranasal or intraocular) is an excellent therapy for seasonal allergies.
Why do I need a long-term treatment plan for my allergies when there are short-term options available over-the-counter?
Short term therapies may be appropriate for patients with mild disease, but they are unlikely to solve the problem for those with more serious symptoms. Furthermore, patients with more serious symptoms are at risk of developing complications such as sinusitis or even asthma, with poorly controlled allergy symptoms.
What is the best time of the day to take my allergy medications?
The best time of day may vary with individual patients. Ask your physician or allergist for his/her opinion.
How can I find out what the pollen levels are in my area?
The National Allergy Bureau (NAB) has approximately 75 certified pollen counting stations throughout the United States; consult the Website, www.aaaai.org/nab, for your location. Many of the pollen counting stations give their pollen counts to local newspapers or TV stations for broadcast or publication also. The NAB currently provides the most accurate and reliable pollen and mold counts by using air sampling equipment to collect airborne pollen and spores.
I love to garden but my allergies act up. What tips can you give me so I can continue my hobby?
You may be able to adjust your gardening schedule to help your allergies. Different pollens are released at different times of the day, by avoiding the peak pollen release times; you may be able to reduce your symptoms. It's a good idea to change clothes after gardening or take a shower to remove pollen that may have settled on your skin and hair. An allergist can help you deal with your symptoms in other ways as well, including medications and immunotherapy.
My family likes to travel over the summer, what tips are there for traveling with allergies?
Be prepared to treat or prevent allergy symptoms by having medications available or by starting preventative medications before you leave. Close your windows and use the air conditioner to help keep out pollen and mold spores. Outdoor air pollution can worsen allergy symptoms; to avoid this, plan biking or hiking in the early morning or at night when the air quality is better. Before beginning a lengthy car trip, turn on the air conditioner or heater and open the windows for 10 minutes to help remove dust and/or molds that may be in the system.
When does the spring allergy season end?
Allergy seasons vary throughout the country. In general terms, the early spring is the time for tree pollens. Grass pollen usually is present in the late spring, early summer, and weed pollens are present in the late summer and early fall. In warmer climates, each of these seasons may start earlier; vice versa for colder climates. Some parts of the country have less weed pollens than others, so their prime pollen season may end earlier.
Additional Resources:
Allergy Report
NAB
Traveling with Allergies and Asthma Tips Brochure
Allergic Conditions Glossary: Rhinitis
2004 Spring Allergies & Asthma Guide
Physician Referral Directory
This topic was reviewed on 4-29-04 by Stuart Friedman, MD, FAAAAI, Patients & Consumers Web Editor.
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