West LA Times

• In the spring, seasonal allergies are typically triggered by tree pollen and grass.

• Allergy sufferers can take precautions, such as monitoring the pollen count and showering after coming inside.

• ENT physicians offer treatments like allergy drops or shots.

Seasonal allergy sufferers might be wondering about testing or treatment options as spring weather takes over and the sneezing begins. 

"There's several newer techniques that are extremely beneficial and effective for treating allergies,” Dr. Matt Hershcovitch of SoCal Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers told West LA Times. “There are still allergy shots available, and that is an option for people.” He also explained some of the newer options, one being sublingual immunotherapy.

“This has largely, in many ways, replaced weekly allergy shots, and people can actually do this from their home, where they take a pill that dissolves under their tongue and treats the allergies appropriately,” Hershcovitch said. “The sublingual immunotherapy is extremely effective, just as effective as allergy shots.”

Another choice is biologics, a broad range of medications that are injected once a month “to down-regulate your body's response to these allergens,” Hershcovitch said.

Spring allergy season can begin as early as February and last through early summer. Common triggers are tree pollen early in the spring season and grass pollen later on in the season, according to the Flonase website. More-than-usual rain during the spring can lead to faster plant growth, which can also cause an increase in mold spores. 

The 50 million Americans who suffer from seasonal allergies might experience sneezing, coughing, congestion, itchy eyes, a runny nose and fatigue, according to Yale Medicine.

People who need to undergo testing for allergies typically have two options. One is a skin prick test, during which a doctor inserts a tiny amount of potential allergens under the skin. The skin will become red and swollen if the patient has an allergy, and patients typically have their results within one to two days. The other option is a blood test, during which the patient's blood is drawn and tested for allergens in a lab. Although this testing method takes longer, it allows doctors to test for more allergens than during a skin test.

To minimize spring allergy symptoms, Mayo Clinic recommends staying indoors on dry, windy days when pollen is more likely to be spreading. Allergy sufferers should also shower after coming indoors to remove any pollen from their skin. Checking the pollen count on a local news station or the internet can help people with allergies plan for when it is best to stay indoors and keep windows shut.

Allergy sufferers can also look for an over-the-counter remedy, such as oral decongestants, antihistamines or nasal sprays. If those solutions don't ease the allergy symptoms, alternative treatments such as allergy shots or immunotherapy could provide relief. 

To learn more about the symptoms of allergies and sinusitis, take this Sinus Self-Assessment Quiz.