Grand Canyon 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.

With spring allergy season having arrived, seasonal allergy sufferers might be wondering about testing or treatment options. Dr. Brian Lee of Scottsdale Sinus and Allergy Center says that allergy patients have several treatment options to choose from, depending on what works best for them.

"Allergy shots still are a thing and still are very effective," Lee told the Grand Canyon Times. "It is once a week that the patient has to come into the office, so it can be pretty cumbersome and intrusive into daily life. We offer what we call sublingual immunotherapy, which is essentially the same principle. Meaning that we tested for allergies, we figured out what you're allergic to, and we make a special, customized serum of that stuff. Then we start feeding your body small amounts of it."

While traditionally, patients would have been required to come into the office once a week for a shot, these can now be taken in the form of a drop put under the tongue at home every day.

"We're able to allow you to do that home, because they're extremely safe. The risk of an anaphylactic reaction is essentially zero," Lee said. "So you get the same benefits, but without all the hassles of having to come in for a shot every week."

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

Fifty million Americans suffer from seasonal allergies. Common symptoms include sneezing, coughing, congestion, itchy eyes, a runny nose and fatigue, according to Yale Medicine. 

Those who want to undergo testing for allergies typically have two options. One option is is a skin prick test, during which a doctor inserts a tiny amount of potential allergens under the skin of the patient's upper arm. 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 to produce results, 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 should try 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.