Ft Worth Times

• In the spring, seasonal allergies are typically triggered by tree pollen and grass.
• Allergy sufferers can take precautions, such as monitoring the pollen count and showering after coming inside.
• ENT physicians offer treatments like allergy drops or shots.

Those who suffer from seasonal allergies are always watching the calendar. Seasonal allergies, sometimes called hay fever or allergic rhinitis, occur at certain times of the year when specific allergens are in the air.

The immune system can treat mold spores, pollen, dust and pet allergies as a threat and react by releasing substances like histamine into your bloodstream to help combat them. The symptoms of allergies include sneezing, running or stuffy nose, itchy watery eyes, itchy mouth or skin and fatigue.

Treating seasonal allergies is a continual practice. Dr. Monty Trimble of Dallas Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers said he finds that many allergy patients prefer the treatment method of sublingual drops rather than allergy shots, but the patients who prefer shots can still get them.

"Sublingual immunotherapy or -- as I say, allergy drops under the tongue -- has been around for decades,” Trimble told the Ft. Worth Times. “I think it's definitely become more common because it can easily be done at home, and it has a better safety profile. I think the majority of patients, maybe 90-something percent or higher, will do just as well on sublingual as shots. Shots are still available for those who want to do them.”

An estimated 50 million Americans suffer from seasonal allergies. They are primarily triggered by tree pollen and grass, according to the Flonase website. Those affected by seasonal allergies can take precautions such as monitoring the pollen count, staying indoors as much as possible on windy days and showering after coming inside. Ear, nose and throat (ENT) physicians can offer treatments such as allergy drops or shots.

Allergy sufferers can also try an over-the-counter remedy, such as oral decongestants, antihistamines or nasal sprays.

People seeking testing for allergies have two options. One option is a skin prick test. A doctor inserts a tiny amount of potential allergens under the skin of the patient's upper arm. The skin will become red and swollen if the patient has an allergy. Patients typically get their results within two days. The other option is a blood test, during which the patient's blood is drawn and tested for allergens in a lab. Although this testing method takes longer to produce results, it allows doctors to test for more allergens than with a skin test alone.

To learn more about the symptoms of allergies and sinusitis, take this Sinus Self-Assessment Quiz.