For seasonal allergy suffers, the lush grass, budding trees and beautiful flowers can be an unwelcomed sight. You don’t have to spend the season indoors though to remain symptom-free, according Brett Hronek, MD, a CoxHealth physician who specializes in allergy and immunology in both Branson and Springfield, Mo.
“If you suffer from seasonal allergies, symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, headaches, runny nose and breathing problems do not have to be part of your life,” Hronek explained. “Successful treatment can have a profound impact on an individual’s quality of life and make every change in season enjoyable.”
If you suffer from seasonal allergies, you should talk to your doctor or schedule an appointment with an allergist.
“We can identify the allergens and educate patients about treatment,” Hronek said.
Typically in late April, tree pollen, especially oak, peaks in the Ozarks. In May, tree pollen continues to be present as well as grass. Molds and weeds typically peak in late summer.
If the symptoms have been a reoccurring problem, it is best to perform an allergy test prior to the start of the season so a plan can be put into place to help alleviate those symptoms before they begin.
“Testing is quick and painless,” Hronek explained. “The test involves dipping a plastic testing device into different allergens, such as trees, grass, weeds, molds, animals or dust mites, and then applying it to the patient’s back. In 15 minutes, we can determine the patient’s allergens. Identifying the culprit allergen can help patients avoid those triggers and help us determine the best method for treatment.”
Simple things like keeping the windows shut in the house and car and using air conditioning can help.
“Seasonal allergy suffers should also avoid spending significant amounts of time outside in the morning when pollen is at its highest in the day,” Hronek said. “Allergy suffers should also take a shower or bath before bed to remove any pollen from their skin if they had spent time outdoors.”
While trying to avoid the allergen can help, it may not be enough.
The next step would be to start medications, which can be both over-the-counter and prescription only, however, these only cover up the symptoms from the allergies.
“If symptoms are severe or not easily controlled, allergy immunotherapy, either injection or sublingual, is a great option for treating the underlying cause of the symptoms,” Hronek explained. “Allergy immunotherapy is the only treatment that changes the immune response and can cure the allergies, which decreases or eliminates the need for medications.”
Ignoring allergy symptoms can also lead to other health issues.
“Individuals with untreated allergic rhinitis are at higher risk for sinus infections, which can require antibiotics and treating the allergies can prevent this from happening,” he said. “Also, people with asthma or breathing troubles often have more trouble breathing or asthma attacks if allergies are ignored. With the variety of treatment options available, there is no need to suffer through another allergy season.”
Aside from caring for patients with seasonal allergies, allergists also evaluate and treat food allergies, shortness of breath, cough, asthma, eczema, rashes, chemical allergy, hives, swelling, recurrent infections, insect sting allergy and medication allergy.
Dr. Brett Hronek is a CoxHealth physician who specializes in allergy and immunology.
