Allergy Season is Here!
Tips and tricks to cope
by Heidi Schultz, FNP, Springfield Wellness Center
Allergy season is in full swing! Tree pollen levels have been high for several months, and grass pollen season is now starting. In general, pollen is becoming more intense and sticking around longer each year, which means even people who haven’t been affected by allergies in the past may experience symptoms. While there are many potential allergy triggers, tree and grass pollen counts are especially significant in the Willamette Valley this time of year.
You can check local pollen counts online at Oregon Allergy Associates.
What are the symptoms of allergies?
Sneezing
Runny or stuffy nose and sinuses
Irritating cough
Eye watering and itching
Fatigue or feeling “out of it”
What can be done about it?
Most allergy treatments are sold over the counter. Be careful to read the instructions and not overuse these medications, as overuse can lead to problems and doesn’t offer increased benefits over the standard dose.
The Mayo Clinic has a good summary of over-the-counter remedies and environmental measures (reducing exposure to pollen, keeping indoor air clean) that can make a big difference in your symptoms. Plan to use these over-the-counter allergy remedies daily throughout the season, instead of waiting until you feel terrible. If you are already having severe symptoms, it can take a few days of consistent use to feel better.
Eye drops
Eye drops can bring much relief! Red-eye remedies (ingredient often ends in “-azoline”) should only be used for 2-3 days. Prolonged use can actually make redness worse! For itchy, watering eyes due to allergies, the best remedy is antihistamine eye drops, called ketotifen or olopatadine – but don’t use more often than the recommended frequency, as this will lead to dry eyes. If you’re looking for more frequent relief for irritation, try artificial tears or cool compresses.
Sinus rinses
Sinus rinses can also be incredibly helpful. By washing away pollen from your sinuses, rinses decrease symptoms. When done correctly, the process is not as awful as it sounds – and many people feel it helps as much as medication. Check out this video to see how to do it properly.
What if I have asthma?
The combination of allergies and asthma can affect which treatments help you most. Over-the-counter remedies are still generally safe and effective, but please do talk with us at the Wellness Center or your regular provider about making sure your asthma is also controlled.
What about natural remedies?
The best natural treatment for allergies is the environmental interventions (see Mayo Clinic handout above.) As with natural remedies, like supplements, for other problems, we don’t have as much evidence to help us understand the safety and the effectiveness of them. Natural remedies are not tested as rigorously and often contain ingredients not listed on the label. They can also be quite expensive. If you are interested in this avenue, there is helpful information here.
If you have tried the natural route and are not feeling better, remember that over the counter allergy medications are quite safe for most people when used correctly.
Tried everything and still feeling bad?
Make an appointment with your primary care provider. They can talk to you about your specific allergies and, if appropriate, refer you to an allergist for further testing and treatment. If you’re a Eugene 4J School District, Springfield School District or City of Springfield employee, visit the 4J Wellness Clinic or Springfield Wellness Center for no-cost, confidential care from Cascade Health’s providers.