The spring allergy season affects approximately 100 million Americans annually, triggered by immune system responses to a variety of airborne pollens. While the symptoms can range from sneezing, fatigue or even worsening asthma, staying ahead is key to avoiding harsher effects.
Dr. Stephen Quintero, an associate professor and medical director of the School of Physician Assistant Practice at the Florida State University College of Medicine, says patients must be weary of the spring allergy season and take necessary steps in advance.
“We tell a lot of our patients if they know they have allergies, start treatment early,” Quintero said. “Don’t wait until you’re miserable. Start using steroids before the peak season. The good news is we have some treatments where if you start early and stay consistent, they seem to help most people.”
Media inquiring about general information for the spring allergy season may reach out to Quintero via email at stephen.quintero@med.fsu.edu.
Dr. Stephen Quintero, associate professor and medical director, School of Physician Assistant Practice
What are some of your recommendations to best avoid triggering allergies in the spring?
Some examples include using a daily internasal steroid like the spray or any antihistamines. The nasal saline spray and some irrigation help rinse the pollen away before it has time to activate the immune system. Daily sprays or multiple sprays a day usually work well. Know your surroundings and control your environment as best as you can, especially for people who work outdoors in the grass. It’s important to shower afterwards and change clothes if you’re doing yard work, and keeping your windows closed during the peak pollen season. Using HEPA filters indoors can help in small spaces.
If symptoms continue to worsen or if you have asthma, immunotherapy is an option and can be effective. Allergy shots can be effective in our North Florida region. We also have mold in North Florida because of the high humidity; that can be almost as important as pollen. While it might not be cost effective, dehumidification and HVAC maintenance are important.
What are some of the most common symptoms you see in individuals with allergy issues?
You get a mix of things, but most people have persistent nasal congestion, they have postnasal drip and they have chronic cough. You have people that just feel sinus pressure or pressure in their face. People will have the issue of watery eyes. And fatigue — this has become chronic in patients. A lot of patients think they have repeated sinus infections, but most of the time it’s just uncontrolled allergic inflammation.