Millions of people suffer from springtime allergies, reports the Mayo Clinic, commonly triggered by the increased pollen levels in the air. A person who has spring allergies may demonstrate the common symptoms of a runny nose, sneezing, itchy and watery eyes and a scratchy throat. The immune system recognizes pollen as a foreign substance and so releases antibodies and histamine to ward off the intruder. Histamine in the blood causes the common spring allergic reactions.
Avoidance
The National Library of Medicine suggests that the best remedy for spring allergies is to avoid allergens as much as possible. The Mayo Clinic recommends staying indoors on dry days. If it hasn't rained in few days, the pollen count could be very high. If a person needs yard work done, it is advisable to hire someone else to cut the lawn or weed the garden. After being exposed to the outdoors, a person with seasonal allergies should remove all clothing and wash it. Showering after being outside is another remedy to rinse off any pollen on the skin or caught in the hair. Do not hang clothing outdoors during high-pollen days. Instead, use an automatic clothes dryer. An individual may want to wear a mask while dusting or performing outdoor chores.
Medication
The most common medication remedy for spring allergies is an antihistamine. Antihistamines are categorized into two different groups: first-generation and second-generation. First-generation antihistamines are older, more powerful and are known for marked drowsiness. These antihistamines are typically taken every four to six hours, according to drugs.com. Second-generation antihistamines are newer drugs that can be taken on a daily basis and commonly come in one 24-hour dose, according to drugs.com. Second-generation antihistamines do not cause drowsiness in most adults. Both types of antihistamines prevent the body from releasing histamine in the bloodstream and therefore prevent most allergic reactions, states familydoctor.org.
Allergy Shots
Allergy shots use a small amount of the allergen a person is allergic to, in order to cause the immune system to become accustomed to the allergen, according to the Mayo Clinic. Small doses are given routinely without an allergic reaction. Over time a doctor will increase the amount of the allergen given to the individual, causing the immune system to react less and less. The Mayo Clinic states that after an entire treatment, the immune system will build up a tolerance to the allergen and provide seasonal relief for the person suffering from allergies. Tests need to be done to determine a person's specific allergen in order for allergy shots to be effective.
