Are allergies popping up like dandelions? Summa Health can help.
Ohio seasonal weather changes can make it difficult to know when it’s safe to put away the snowblower and dust off the lawnmower. As we move from winter to spring to summer, one week can feature an 80-degree Monday, 26-degree Wednesday and then a 65-degree Friday. But a select group of experts know exactly when the seasons change — because their eyes become itchy and watery and they can’t help but blow their noses — these are the people who live with seasonal and environmental allergies.
Understanding Environmental Allergies
Any type of allergy is an immune system-triggered reaction to the body’s exposure to a substance (or allergen). But environmental allergies come with a unique set of challenges. People with food allergies, like nut allergies for instance, can be mindful of the foods they consume to avoid an allergic reaction. But if the allergen is in the air people breathe, it can be quite difficult to prevent exposure, symptoms or allergic reactions.
Outdoor environmental allergies are most often caused by pollen from various grasses, flowers, trees and weeds. Depending on which types of pollen a person is allergic to, allergy symptoms can start as early as February and last into November each year, without treatment. Indoor environmental allergies are typically caused by exposure to animal dander, dust or mold. People commonly have strong or stronger reactions to these allergens in the winter months because the time we spend indoors increases dramatically as the weather changes.
Regardless of the allergen, the human body responds in a way to protect itself. The areas around the nose and eyes begin to swell to close off those parts of the body from more allergens getting in. The eyes water and the nose may force a sneeze to help flush out any existing allergens out of the body.
Common environmental allergic reactions include:
- Stuffy, runny nose
- Puffy, watery eyes
- Itchy eyes, nose, mouth/throat
- Sneezing
- Coughing
- Scratchy throat
When to Get Tested
One important aspect that we all should remember about environmental allergies is that if an allergen is removed, the symptoms should be reduced or possibly even eliminated. If someone feels great until they walk into a flower shop or start to mow the grass, they most likely have environmental allergies. Consulting with a doctor can be a great first step to symptom relief.
Starting a conversation with a primary care provider (PCP) may lead to a referral to an otolaryngology specialist, more commonly known as an ear, nose and throat (ENT) doctor. These experts can conduct allergy testing to gain a better understanding of which specific allergens are causing a bodily reaction.
Summa Health Otolaryngology (ENT) offers environmental allergy testing through what’s called a skin prick test. The skin prick test exposes the skin to small amounts of allergens (allergy-causing substances) and can identify environmental allergy triggers, including ragweed, pollen, dust mites, pets and mold. The bigger the reaction at the testing site, the stronger the allergy is to that specific allergen. No one should have to struggle with allergies; Summa Health’s ENT team can help. An initial visit will be with a provider to discuss any symptoms and complete an intake form. Allergy testing can be done on the same day as the initial visit as long as a patient has not taken an antihistamine for the last seven days prior to the appointment.
Treating and Working to Eliminate Allergy Symptoms (Whenever Possible)
Identifying an allergen is only the first step toward achieving relief from seasonal allergies. Once identified, an otolaryngology specialist can help develop a treatment plan for symptom reduction or elimination. Depending on the severity of the allergies, an ENT doctor may recommend:
- Over-the-counter medications such as pills, eye drops or nasal sprays
- Prescription medications such as pills, eye drops or nasal sprays
- Humidifiers or inhalers
- Injection therapy (which is also commonly known as allergy shots); this treatment can sometimes cure an allergy
Being mindful of the weather forecast can also help a person better manage their allergy symptoms. On days with higher-than-average pollen counts, it may be a good idea to stay indoors. Likewise, on days with high pollen counts, use air conditioning and leave windows and doors closed to avoid letting pollen indoors. Also, after extended periods of time outdoors during the seasonal allergy season, launder clothes and take a shower after coming indoors—this reduces the possibility of transferring pollen to household furniture, bedsheets or pillowcases.
For more information about environmental allergies, environmental allergy testing and all Summa Health ENT services, visit summahealth.org/medicalservices/ent.
About the author
Phillip Khalil, DO
Otolaryngology (ENT) specialist
As an otolaryngology (ENT) specialist, Phillip L. Khalil, D.O., FAOCO has special interests in Sinus and Allergy Issues, Snoring and Sleep Apnea, Voice Disorders, Head and Neck Surgery, Facial Plastic Reconstructive Procedures and Hearing and Balance Disorders.
View All Phillip Khalil, DO's Content
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