Hernando Reporter

• People who have spring allergies might start feeling their symptoms kicking in, as trees have begun to pollinate.
• Symptoms can include sneezing, itchy eyes, coughing, congestion and fatigue.
• People who need to undergo allergy testing or treatment have several options.

Dr. Mariah Pate of Tampa Bay Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers said advances in allergy treatment have made it more comfortable and convenient for her patients.

"There's been a lot of advancement in allergy immunotherapy, and it's become very convenient for patients to do this type of therapy," Pate told the Hernando Reporter. "Sublingual immunotherapy is a great option for patients. It has great efficacy and helps people get better in a (short) time frame. It's also really convenient. A lot of people don't have time to come to the doctor once a week to get shots. This is something that can be administered at home by the patient. Another nice thing is, it’s not done via a shot. A lot of people don't want to get a shot every week. By using sublingual therapy, you get the same benefit of building the body's lack of response over time to help people feel better."

As winter winds down and the weather starts to turn warmer, many people begin to dread the coming of spring, especially if they suffer from seasonal allergies. When trees begin to pollinate in February or March, allergens like pollen become airborne and settle onto our skin, eyes, noses and mouths, according to Blanchard Valley Health System. This can trigger a variety of uncomfortable allergy symptoms, such as itchy eyes, congestion, sneezing fits and more.

Commonly allergenic trees include birch, sycamore, oak and walnut, though there are many other plants that can also contribute to allergic reactions in some people. To complicate matters further, these types of pollen vary greatly in their composition, so it can be difficult for doctors to design an effective treatment plan for each patient’s individual allergic sensitivities.

Fortunately, allergy specialists are equipped with sophisticated testing methods that allow them to accurately diagnose allergies and develop personalized treatments tailored specifically to their patients' needs.

According to Yale Medicine, for millions of Americans across the nation, seasonal allergies can be an extremely annoying and uncomfortable condition. To diagnose allergies, two tests are typically available: a skin-prick test and a blood test.

The skin-prick test consists of a small amount of potential allergens injected under the skin in the patient’s upper arm. If they have an allergy to the substance, their skin will become red and swollen. Results are usually ready within one or two days after the test takes place. Alternatively, the blood test involves drawing blood from the patient and testing for allergens in a lab setting. This method may take longer to produce results but allows doctors to check for more allergens than with a skin-prick test alone.

As pollen season approaches, those who suffer from spring allergies should take steps to reduce their symptoms. Staying indoors on dry, windy days is one of the most effective ways to avoid contact with the allergens that cause symptoms such as sneezing, itchy and watery eyes, coughing, congestion and fatigue.

Checking the local pollen count can help allergy sufferers determine when it is best to remain indoors, preferably with windows and doors shut. After coming inside from spending time outdoors, it is recommended for allergy sufferers to take a shower, which will help remove any pollen that might be stuck on their skin or clothing.

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