How to manage your allergies

EXETER — Is this year's allergy season worse than last year?

Dr. Marcus Shaker, an immunologist at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, said that there is a school of thought that indicates allergy seasons are getting harder, but it is not substantiated.

“Overall, there is a school of thought that says, year to year, the allergy season is getting worse due to climate changes,” said Shaker. “Hothouse gases might be a factor. I think there is something to that, an indication that southern weather is coming here. Climate change has increased thunderstorms and allergens can get rolled into the storm and burst out, getting deeper into the lungs. For people with asthma, this can be pretty dramatic.”

Dr. Nicola Vogel, of Core Allergy and Immunology, said New Hampshire is at the start of pollen season.

“Typically, that means tree pollen, and it lasts until the end of June,” said Vogel. “Then we see grass pollen and that lasts for most of the summer. Then there is weed season, coming from ragweed and other weeds. That usually arrives in August and lasts until the first frost.”

“May rolls in here and we walk full blown into allergy season, without any prior exposure,” said Shaker. “For those bothered by allergies, this is a vulnerable time of year.”

That sounds like the makings of a terrible summer for many, but Vogel said there are ways to successfully manage allergies.

“I hate to say this, but if allergies are really bad, stay inside,” said Vogel. “It might be necessary during high, dry pollen days. Close the windows and use air conditioning. Do this particularly in the bedrooms and it’s a good idea to take a shower before bed to remove any pollen.”

Shaker said showering in the evening not only helps reduce the allergens on your body, but as a result most people sleep better and are more rested.

“During allergy season, do not dry your clothes outside,” said Shaker. “Do not use window fans if possible. Air conditioners are better, but make sure to clean the filters or they are susceptible to mold.”

Of course, no one wants to spend the summer indoors. Medication is the next choice.

“There are a lot of medical options,” said Vogel. “Nasal steroid sprays work very well. There are oral antihistamines and eye drops. What usually works best is a combination of the options, sometimes all three for a really rough patch.”

Shaker said, if using drops, avoid the ones that advertise getting the red out.

“They are ophthalmic decongestants and treat only the symptoms,” said Shaker. “Look for drops that have antihistamines. Saline sprays are good because they help rinse the pollens out. If it isn’t working, try Flonase sprays.”

If over-the-counter medications are not alleviating allergy symptoms, it is time to see an allergist like Vogel. An allergist can help find the triggers that are causing the problem and treat accordingly.

“Primary care doctors do a great job helping their patients find the right over-the-counter medications for most environmental allergens,” said Vogel. “Or, we can give allergy shots. Typically, I see people after they have tried all their other options.”

Shaker said he can desensitize the immune system to an allergen through the use of allergy shots.

“We start with a few doses and for most people that puts them into remission,” said Shaker. “For some, allergy shots can be a lifetime thing. There are therapies for treating grass, ragweed and dust mite allergens.”

Oral immunotherapy is a new treatment. Shaker said it involves medication, dissolved under the tongue, and is effective treatment for several allergies, like grass, ragweed and dust mites. Eventually, he said, they hope to have one for tree allergens.

“The oral treatment is convenient for patients because they can do it at home,” said Shaker. “They are not having to constantly drive to their doctors for an allergy shot.”