General Information
- Pollens come from tress, grasses and weeds
- These pollens are light and easily carried by the wind
- Pollen seasons are tree in April & May, grass in June & July and weed in August & September - Pollen counts are higher on warm, dry, windy days and in the morning
- Pollen counts are lowest during cold, wet period
Pollen Allergy Symptoms
- People with pollen allergies can have nose, eye and / or breathing symptoms during the pollen season
- Nasal symptoms include runny nose, congestion, sneezing, itching and post nasal drip (sensation that mucus is draining down the back of the throat)
- Eye symptoms include itchy, red, watery eyes
- Throat and ear symptoms include sore throat, hoarse voice, congestion or popping for the ears and itching of the throat or ears
- Asthma symptoms such as cough, wheeze (whistling noise), shortness of breath and chest tightness can become worse when around pollen and you may need more medications
Avoidance and Environmental Control
- Keep windows closed during high pollen counts and hot windy days
- If possible, stay inside when pollen levels are high
- Do not hang clothes outside to dry during pollen season
- Change clothes and shower when outside for long periods
- Local pollen counts can be found on the Weather Network
Treatment Options
- Discuss medication options with your doctor
- Saline rinse and sprays clean the inside of the nose and come in a variety of devices including Neti pots and bottle sprayers
- Antihistamines such as cetirizine (Reactine), loratadine (Claritin), desloratadine (Aerius) and fexofenadine (Allergra) can be used alone or with a nasal spray
- Nasal steroid sprays such as mometasone furoate (Nasonex), ciclesonide (Omnaris) and fluticasone furoate (Avamys) decrease inflammation in the nose if used on a regular basis
- Nasal decongestants and oral decongestants are NOT recommended unless directed by your doctor
- Eye drops such as for olopatadine hydrochloride (Pataday) can be used as needed for eye symptoms
- Montelukast (Singular) daily tablets
- Allergy shots / immunotherapy and oral immunotherapy may be an option for certain patients. Discuss with your doctor to see if you are a candidate