5 Tips to Get Ahead of Spring Allergies

Spring can be a magical time in New York City as the temps warm up and the stark grays of winter give way to more vibrant colors. But for those who have spring allergies, the joys of spring can be overshadowed by sneezing, wheezing, and watery eyes.

Millions of Americans struggle with seasonal allergies that flare in the spring. Called allergic rhinitis, the condition affects between 15% and 30% of the general population.

So, if you or someone in your family is miserable this time of year thanks to spring allergies, the multidisciplinary healthcare team here at LaSante Health Center wants to highlight a few strategies to help you through. 

Get the right allergy toolkit

The first thing you should do is sit down with one of our internal medicine specialists so we can make sure that you have the right toolkit for spring allergies. 

From decongestants and antihistamines to steroid nasal sprays, there are some must-have medications that anyone with seasonal allergies should have on hand to control symptoms. Some of these medications are spot medications, while others you can take daily to prevent symptoms from developing.

When you come in, we sit down with you to decide which medications are right for your symptoms and when and how you should take them.

Consider immunotherapy

Many of our patients have had success combating seasonal allergies through immunotherapy. With this approach, we introduce small amounts of the allergen into your system to help desensitize your body.

These allergy shots can reduce the symptoms of hay fever in up to 85% of people with allergic rhinitis.

Watch the weather and pollen

No matter how well equipped and prepared you are for spring allergies, it’s still a good idea to avoid certain conditions. 

For example, you might want to stay inside on windy days that send pollen into the air. In fact, most weather sources include pollen counts, so we recommend that you track these closely and plan accordingly.

Keep your home clean

The one place where you’d rather not deal with spring allergies is inside your home, but allergens can make their way in. To keep your home an oasis from spring allergies, we recommend that you:

• Install allergy-reducing HVAC filters 
• Keep windows closed
• Vacuum frequently
• Wipe off your dog
• Change clothes when you come inside

We also recommend that you shower when you get home to rinse off any pollen that may have attached to you, especially in your hair.

Try some at-home remedies

Aside from the medications and therapies that we can supply, there are some steps you can take at home to clear out your nasal passages. For example, neti pots and saline nasal sprays are good ways to keep irritants out of your sinuses.

With a little preparation and some ongoing management, there’s no reason why you, too, can’t enjoy spring this year, and beyond.

To get started on creating your ideal spring allergy management plan, please book an appointment online or call us at our Brooklyn, New York, office at 718-246-5700.  We also welcome walk-ins during our hours of operation.   

We serve the Flatbush and East Flatbush, Crown Heights, Park Slope, Little Haiti, Little Caribbean, and Prospect Lefferts Gardens communities.