Allergy Season Comes Early

Spring weather arrived a few weeks earlier than the season this year, and it is bringing great sunshine and warm temperatures.

But it’s also sending allergy sufferers reaching for their Kleenex.

“The season really began in earnest a couple of weeks ago,” said Dr. Valerie Scott, a physician with . “So far, we’ve seen everything but pine pollen.”

For some folks, their allergy symptoms have lingered even through fall and winter.

“For people who suffer with ragweed, we never had a strong enough freeze to kill it,” said Scott, a family practitioner in the Charleston area since 1995. “We saw allergy symptoms all winter.”

But for those who are suffering with seasonal allergies, though their sneezing began early, it won’t stick around any longer than normal.

“It really just goes in a natural cycle,” Scott said. “So the season came early, and we think it will likely subside early, too.”

Until then, there are a few tips to make the symptoms a little easier to bear.

Take something

There are plenty of over-the-counter remedies. Common antihistamine brands, such as Allegra, Zyrtec and Claritin, work just fine for most sufferers.

Just be careful, Scott says, to not mix those drugs with all-in-one allergy pills that may also contain an antihistamine. Double-dosing can cause real problems.

When in doubt, just ask the pharmacist.

Know the cause
Many people confuse colds, the flu and seasonal allergies. Here are a few telltale differences, according to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.

Colds may have general aches and pains and a fever, but allergies will rarely have these symptoms. Allergies commonly bring itchy eyes, but colds rarely do. Colds usually last just a few days, but allergy symptoms may last for weeks. One big clue: allergies usually cause lots of sneezing, but that’s only an occasional symptom with colds.

Avoid your allergens
The weather may be great right now, but if you suffer from allergies, just stay indoors.

During allergy season, you may also find that you are more allergic to things that don’t typically cause you problems, Scott said. That includes pets.

During allergy season, consider taking showers when you get home from work to remove any pollen in your clothes or in your hair. Don’t let pets sleep in your bed during allergy season.

See your doctor, but only in certain circumstances
For most allergy-sufferers, common medications are the cure, and a trip to the doctor is not necessary.

“If you’ve tried OTC medications with no success, or if you’re dependent on nasal sprays, that’s when you come see your primary care physician,” Scott said. “We have some non-addictive nasal sprays and prescription antihistamines that can help.”

In rare cases, a trip to the allergist can be helpful.