South Indy News

• 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.

Dr. Nicholas Hollenkamp of Indianapolis Sinus Center discussed his patients' preference for allergy drops over allergy shots for treatment in an interview with South Indy News.

"Some people prefer the (allergy) shots. They like doing it that way, and we do offer that," Hollenkamp said. "We have quite a few patients on the allergy shots. There's nothing wrong with the allergy shots; they work well. But again, they have drawbacks, because most people have a job. They have family and things they want to do besides being in ENT offices. Because of those things, oftentimes, compliance with our shots isn't the best for people. When stuff comes up, they can't make it. And then if you don't make it, it kind of upsets the rhythm of the allergy shots, and it sets you back, so you keep falling back on the schedule of things."

Hollenkamp discussed a newer method as an alternative to allergy shots, which is gaining in popularity in recent years.

"We like the sublingual drops quite a bit. I really prefer that for patients," Hollenkamp said. "I think it can work just as well, and it keeps them out of doctors' offices. They can do it at home. It's kind of like taking a pill once a day. It's something you can work into your routine. And it's something where you're not paying co-pays all the time. It gives the patient more control. The compliance goes up a lot. And if compliance goes up, I think the effectiveness of the treatment goes up."

According to the Flonase website, the spring allergy season can begin as early as February and last through early summer. Common triggers include tree pollen in early spring and grass pollen later in the season. Increased rain during the spring can lead to faster plant growth, which can cause an increase in mold spores.

Yale Medicine reported that the 50 million Americans who suffer from seasonal allergies might experience sneezing, coughing, congestion, itchy eyes, a runny nose and fatigue. Those who undergo testing for allergies typically have two options. The first is a skin prick test, in which a doctor will insert a small number of potential allergens under the skin of the patient's upper arm. The patient's skin will become red and swollen if they have an allergy, and they typically receive their results within one or two days.

The second option is a blood test, in which a patient's blood is drawn and tested for allergens in a lab. While this testing method takes longer to produce results, it allows doctors to test for more allergens than they would during a skin test.

To reduce the severity of spring allergy symptoms, Mayo Clinic recommends staying indoors on dry, windy days when pollen is more likely to be spread. Allergy sufferers should also shower after arriving indoors to remove any pollen from their skin. Checking the pollen count through local news outlets or the Internet can help allergy sufferers plan for when it is best to stay indoors and keep their windows shut.

Allergy sufferers can also try for over-the-counter remedies 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.