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Busting Spring Allergy Myths

Date: 3/24/2011     Author: Jess Baker     Category: Allergy

So much for long-term allergy relief. After mid-February warmth spelled an early start to allergy season, the second week of March brought a couple rounds of rain to the South, and symptoms died down a bit. But now that the sun and warmer temperatures have returned, the symptoms are back with a vengeance. 

Check your local pollen forecast here 

A few weeks ago Dr. Stanley Fineman with the Atlanta Allergy and Asthma Clinic, and the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (ACAAI), told weather.com the early start was only part of the bad news for allergy sufferers. Dr. Fineman and other experts say the Spring allergy season will also last longer than average. 

Read: Why allergy season will last longer 

Our Facebook page lit up with comments. Many of you were trying to help each other out by offering personal remedies. There were so many suggestions, we talked to Dr. Fineman again, hoping to see which methods he thought would safely bring you relief. 

Bee Pollen & Honey 

Several of our Facebook Fans swore by bee pollen. But Dr. Fineman highly recommends that you steer clear. 

Basically, people believe by taking the bee pollen that farmers collect from bees in their area, their body will build up a tolerance to the pollen. 

"We warn people not to take it." Dr. Fineman says. He says the theory can backfire, and possibly with life-threatening consequences. "If someone is allergic to local pollen, taking a big dose of it is dangerous." 

As for local honey, Dr Fineman says it won't hurt you, but "it won't be therapeutic for someone with allergies either." 

Over-the-Counter Antihistamines 

The non-prescription drugs you can get at the pharmacy and grocery store may help you feel better, but they don't attack the problem. 

Experts with the ACCAI say that the best thing allergy sufferers can do is see a specialist. Doctors work with you to pinpoint the cause of your allergies. That way you can get to the "source of your suffering, rather than just treating the symptoms." 

Around the House 

Another way to keep your symptoms in check is to keep the pollen in your house to a minimum. Some of the ways you can do that is to wash your pets more often, since they'll carry in pollen from outdoors. Leave your shoes outside or by the door so you don't track pollen through the house. Wash your sheets in hot water to get rid of the allergens. 

What about Exercise? 

"Really, if you're allergic to pollen, it's better you should stay inside," Dr. Fineman says. 

But what do you do if you're an avid biker or runner? Dr. Fineman suggests "Exercise early in the morning or in the twilight time." He explains pollen tens to be released in the late morning or around noon, so if you have to be outdoors, at least avoid the high-exposure time.

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Patient Info from UpToDate

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What are allergies?

An allergy is an abnormal sensitivity or exaggerated reaction of the immune system to a substance, which, in the majority of people causes no symptoms at all.

Why see a board certified allergist?

An allergist has at least five years of training after medical school that focuses on the evaluation and management of allergic diseases.

Explaining Allergy Shots

Allergy shots, also referred to as allergy injections or immunotherapy, are a series of injections that help control allergy symptoms. Allergy shots are not a medication.

Pollen Count

Total Pollen Count for 5/24/2013: 176

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