Survival Guide: Breathe Easier During Spring Allergy Season

Just because you live in a concrete jungle doesn’t mean you don’t experience tree allergy season. Strategically planted trees and sprawling parks beautify urban areas, guaranteeing pollen will fill the air once spring arrives. In addition, climate change, heat islands and pollution are exposing city dwellers to more pollen than ever before.

“Factors like changing weather patterns and pollution can alter the usual pattern and allergenicity from season to season, causing some years to be worse than others for allergy sufferers,” says Carla Smith-Ricks, PA-C, an allergy specialist at Schweiger Dermatology & Allergy in New York City. She advises, “Don’t be caught unprepared.”

Tactics to Limit Exposure

Typically, tree pollen season begins in March and can persist through late June or July. Smith-Ricks suggests minimizing your exposure with these tips:

• Limit the amount of time you spend outdoors during peak hours of the day, as pollen levels tend to be higher in the morning and lower in the evening.
• Pay attention to the local pollen forecast and adjust your daily schedule accordingly.
• Wear sunglasses and wide-brim hats to shield your eyes from direct pollen entry.
• Shower once you get home, and don’t jump into bed before rinsing off the pollen.
• Keep your windows closed to prevent pollen from blowing into your home.
• Run an air purifier with a HEPA filter and change your AC filters regularly.
• Wash your clothes frequently to remove any pollen that may have accumulated.
• Wipe off your pets when they return from a walk outdoors.

Breathe Easier This Allergy Season

There are other ways to get ahead of tree pollen season. Before the season begins, assess the symptom relief products in your medicine cabinet. “Take stock of your allergy medications, throw away expired ones and make sure you restock your appropriate medications to help you through the season,” says Smith-Ricks. She also suggests making a list of your typical symptoms. “Know your symptoms and choose the appropriate target medications for your specific symptoms.”

Common over-the-counter medicines Smith-Ricks recommends include:

• Nasal sprays such as intranasal steroids or nasal antihistamines.
• Oral antihistamines like Zyrtec, Allegra, Xyzal and Claritin.
• Allergy eye drops including Pataday or Pazeo.

If over-the-counter options aren’t helping suppress your symptoms, consult with your allergy specialist who can determine the best approach to find relief, which may include immunotherapy with allergy shots or sublingual drops.

Carla Smith-Ricks, MPAS, PA-C, is a physician assistant at Schweiger Dermatology Group. She has a passion for patient care and a drive to help people improve their health and quality of life. This desire has guided her to the field of physician assistant where she has utilized her skill and knowledge to provide high-quality health care for more than 20 years.

If you suspect you have tree pollen allergies or want to learn more about treatment options, our allergy specialists perform precise testing to determine whether a particular allergen is at play and will create a customized treatment plan.

To schedule an appointment with one of our allergy specialists, book online or call (844) 760-3380.