Don’t let seasonal allergies keep you on the sidelines

By: Collette Spalding, MD, an allergist at Kaiser Permanente 

After what felt like the longest winter ever, spring is finally upon us. While most of us are relieved that the threat of snow and single-digit temperatures in the region is over, the one thing many of us are not looking forward to is seasonal allergies. 

If you’re one of the millions of people who suffer from seasonal allergies, knowing what’s happening in your body when you experience symptoms and how to manage them is important to feeling your best. By planning ahead and making simple modifications, you can manage pesky symptoms such as congestion, watery eyes and sneezing so you can keep your head in the game!

What causes allergies?

Allergies are an immune response to a trigger, usually something in the environment, that can cause an allergic reaction in some people. There are many types of triggers, but seasonal triggers appear only at certain times of the year. The most common spring seasonal allergy trigger is pollen. Your immune system recognizes pollen as an enemy, so it works to develop antibodies against it.

When you absorb pollen through your nose, mouth, or eyes, those antibodies connect with an allergy cell, which releases histamine. The release of histamine from the allergy cell is what makes you feel so bad, causing congestion, sneezing, itchy and watery eyes, and a runny nose. 

Why some people experience allergies and others don’t isn’t fully understood, but family genetics and the type of environment you grew up in play a role. For example, if you grew up with a pet in your home, you’re likely to fare better and avoid allergies from pet dander than someone who did not grow up with pets. 

Seasonal allergies that appear this time of year are typically caused by tree pollen, which peaks in March and April, and grass pollen, which we normally see in April and May. Ragweed, most prevalent in August and September, is the most common type of pollen that affects Americans.

Is it allergies or a cold?

Allergy symptoms, as mentioned previously, can include a runny nose, watery, itchy eyes, sneezing and congestion. Viruses include many of the same symptoms, but if you’re suffering from a virus, you may also experience muscle aches and/or a fever. 

How do you prepare for allergy season?

• Start taking allergy medication about two weeks before the season starts to protect yourself early.
•  Remove or change your clothing when coming in from outside before sitting on furniture to avoid transferring pollen. Showering can help eliminate pollen more thoroughly so consider showering before bed.
•  Wear sunglasses and/or a mask when doing outdoor activities during periods of high pollen counts.
•  Use saline mist or spray to rinse the pollen out of your nose.
•  Download an app to your phone to monitor daily pollen counts.

Talk to your physician about which type of medication, whether a nasal steroid, antihistamine, or both if not getting relief. If your allergy symptoms are uncontrolled, ask your primary care physician to refer you to an allergist for further evaluation to determine what you may be allergic to and what treatments will work for you.

Kaiser Permanente is honored to partner with The St. James to help keep our young athletes healthy and thriving, both on and off the field. Visit our website for more sports medicine advice and expertise from Kaiser Permanente.

The Mid-Atlantic Permanente Medical Group is one of the nation's premier multispecialty medical groups and is the largest integrated medical group in Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia. Founded in 1980, the medical group has more than 1,800 Permanente physicians spanning more than 65 specialties. Together, we serve approximately 750,000 Kaiser Permanente members in Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia at 35 area medical centers, plus several community hospitals and skilled nursing facilities.

Collete Spalding, MD Allergy, Kaiser Permanente