6 ways to better manage your allergies in Charlotte this spring

After spending winter stuck in our homes, Charlotteans are ready to be outdoors this spring.

Unfortunately being outside right now means dealing with lots of pollen. If you’re allergic, it’s not a fun time (I’ve personally been sneezing my head off every time I step out my door).

I talked to allergy specialist Dr. Hunter Hoover from Charlotte Eye Ear Nose & Throat Associates to get some tips on how best to survive spring allergy season here in Charlotte.

(1) Know your triggers (and plan ahead)

Dr. Hoover says the top culprit in the spring months is tree pollen with grass pollen coming behind it in the summer. It helps to know what triggers your allergies so you can better prepare for each season.

He recommends starting allergy medicine on Valentine’s Day if you commonly get symptoms in the spring. If summer’s grass pollen sets you off, start taking medicine on April Fool’s Day.

• We’re past the point of preparation now, but you can at least take note for next year.

(2) Make sure you’re actually having allergy symptoms (not COVID-19 symptoms)

Even with vaccines rolling out, it doesn’t hurt to take time and evaluate your symptoms.

Seasonal allergy symptoms tend to mostly affect the nose and eyes and almost never lead to shortness of breath or fever, two of the more common COVID-19 symptoms.

Related: How to differentiate between the symptoms of allergies and COVID-19, according to local allergy experts

(3) Buy an over-the-counter nasal steroid spray

This was Dr. Hoover’s top recommendation. “Patients should not be suffering from seasonal allergies,” he says. “There are great medications out there.”

However, nasal steroid sprays reign supreme over allergy pills, which don’t treat all allergy symptoms. “Everyone grabs the allergy pills and they’re just not very effective,” says Dr. Hoover.

“There’s just not a close second to nasal sprays,” he says. “They’re safe, they’re not addictive. Not only do they help with a running nose, but the congestion and stuffiness.”

Look for brands like Flonase, Rhinocort or Nasacort when you’re at the drugstore. “They’re all equally safe and effective,” says Dr. Hoover.

(3) Be committed to taking medicine daily

As effective as over-the-counter allergy medicine may be, Dr. Hoover says you can’t expect it to work overnight.

“It’s like putting cream on a rash,” Dr. Hoover explains. “You don’t expect it to go away in an hour. You have to take it daily.”

(4) If you’ve got itchy eyes, opt for antihistamine eye drops

This one was personal for me. I always get extremely itchy eyes during pollen season and eye drops have been a godsend for me over the years and Dr. Hoover gave me his blessing to keep taking them.

Just make sure to buy anti-histamine eye drops, otherwise, it won’t help your allergy symptoms.

FYI: I use Opcon-A eye drops (over-the-counter) and they really make a difference.

(5) Try to avoid your allergy triggers (if you can)

Avoidance is tough with seasonal allergies since everything is floating through the air.

The few things you can do, according to Dr. Hoover, are: keeping your windows closed, keeping your car windows rolled up and keeping your A/C on because that helps filter out allergens.

(6) If you still can’t control your symptoms, see an allergy specialist

If over-the-counter medication isn’t cutting it and you’re tired of living in misery, it’s probably time to see an allergy specialist.

Specialists like Dr. Hoover can help rule out any other potential ENT problems. If allergies are the root issue, immunotherapy is an option for patients.

“Immunotherapy alters the immune system so it no longer overreacts to allergens,” explains Dr. Hoover.  “We don’t say it cures allergies but we do say it can provide sustained benefit.”

• Immunotherapy is offered in the form of allergy shots, allergy tablets or allergy drops.

“Most people don’t come in for immunotherapy for spring allergies,” he goes on. “It’s more often used for year-round allergies.” He says that dust mites are one of the most common triggers.

Need to see an allergy specialist? Schedule an online appointment at one of CEENTA’s 17 Charlotte-area locations.

This content was created in partnership with Charlotte Eye Ear Nose & Throat Associates, P.A.