NE Valley Times

• People who have spring allergies might start feeling their symptoms kicking in, as trees have begun to pollinate.
• Symptoms can include sneezing, itchy eyes, coughing, congestion and fatigue.
• People who need to undergo allergy testing or treatment have several options.

Dr. Franklyn Gergits of Sinus and Allergy Wellness Center said testing for allergies has advanced to become much more comfortable for patients.

"We perform testing now that is very straightforward and comfortable," Gergits told NE Valley Times. "I've been tested multiple times myself as an allergy sufferer and asthmatic. I've been through the old-fashioned testing, and I prefer the new testing. It's just pressure and then a small drop of a specific allergen or a mix is introduced into the skin. They are small, little needles that you really can't feel. Once that testing panel has been placed on the arm, we wait a while, then we come back and check the arm to see what kind of reactions the patients have. That gives us the results that we need to allow patients to know what they're allergic to and initiate treatment. Sometimes that treatment includes allergy drops."

As spring approaches, many people with seasonal allergies may begin to feel their symptoms coming on, according to Blanchard Valley Health System. As winter gives way to warmer weather, trees and other plants start to pollinate in February and March, sending pollen into the air that can trigger a variety of allergy symptoms. These include sneezing, itchy eyes, runny nose and congestion. Depending on which tree species are present in the area, different kinds of pollen can become airborne; birch, sycamore, oak and walnut are among the most common.

This makes it difficult for treatment to be tailored to a specific individual, as each person is likely to be allergic to a different combination of pollen. To identify which specific pollen is causing your allergy symptoms, an allergist may conduct tests such as blood or skin tests. Once the allergens have been identified by the tests, the allergist can create an individualized treatment plan that best addresses those allergen triggers.

Millions of Americans experience the misery of seasonal allergies every year. To diagnose the cause of these allergies -- and potentially identify treatments -- doctors may utilize skin-prick tests or blood tests.

During a skin-prick test, a medical professional will insert a tiny quantity of potential allergens into the skin of the patient's upper arm. In response to the allergen presence, the skin around where it was injected will become red and swollen. Patients should be able to receive their results within one to two days after this type of testing.

If more information is required, a doctor may opt for a blood test instead. During this procedure, blood is drawn from the patient in-office before being sent off to an external lab for testing for numerous allergens. Results from blood tests typically take longer than those from skin-prick tests; however, having so many allergens tested for could make all the difference in terms of providing an effective treatment plan.

Allergy sufferers can take certain steps to reduce the symptoms of spring allergies and make breathing easier. Staying inside on dry, windy days is one way to avoid being exposed to high levels of pollen in the air. Pollen counts can be checked online or on your local news station, and knowing when it's best to stay indoors can help reduce exposure. Once you're back inside, showering quickly is important for washing away any pollen that may have stuck to your skin or clothing. Over-the-counter treatments are available for more relief from allergies. 

These can include oral decongestants, antihistamines and nasal sprays. If these don't provide enough relief, alternative treatments, such as allergy shots or immunotherapy could be necessary. Taking steps like these can help allergy sufferers find much-needed relief from seasonal allergies.

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