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Springtime in the Las Vegas Valley brings many welcome changes — warm weather, long days, sustained winds and blooming flora. Unfortunately, the season also ushers in a host of tough symptoms for allergy

While navigating seasonal allergies can be difficult, many options can help treat, prevent and alleviate symptoms.

Symptoms and cause

Seasonal allergies can induce a variety of symptoms that vary patient to patient, and they occur as a result of the immune system’s response to certain irritants.

Common symptoms include sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion, itchy/watery eyes, sore throat, fatigue, headache, sinus pressure and wheezing/difficulty breathing.

More severe symptoms can include facial pain, eye pain, tooth pain, hives/rashes and other skin issues.

The link between asthma and allergies

Asthma and allergies are closely linked. Allergies can worsen asthma symptoms for people who already suffer from the condition. Further, airborne allergens can cause an asthmatic response in patients who don’t otherwise have asthma.

According to medical professionals, inflammation in the nose and sinuses, caused by allergies, can cause inflammation in the lungs, which exacerbates asthma symptoms.

Many asthma patients need to take aggressive precautions against seasonal allergies to prevent more frequent and/or severe asthma attacks. Patients who have allergy-induced asthma may require a seasonal inhaler to treat their symptoms, in addition to other treatment methods.

Treatment

There are many treatment options for allergies, including antihistamines, steroid shots, allergy immunotherapy shots, inhalers, nasal sprays, eye drops and decongestants. Many of these options are available over the counter, or by prescription depending on the severity of symptoms and the specific needs of the patient.

Over-the-counter medications are excellent for treating most allergies as are nasal saline irrigation rinses. This means keeping your nasal passages moist. Some people may also need to use a combination of allergy treatments to effectively treat their symptoms.

For more sensitive and higher risk populations, consider a visit to your doctor for a seasonal steroid shot or an allergist/immunologist if they’re intolerant to over-the-counter medications or are having more severe symptoms, such as chronic sinus pain.

Easing symptoms

Prevention can go a long way for seasonal allergy sufferers.

Tips to help minimize allergen exposure include:

• Keep outdoor activities to a minimum during higher count pollen days.

• Keep windows and doors in your home shut

• Change your air conditioner filters regularly and look for ones designed for fighting allergens

• Vacuum and/or mop floors often

• Try air filters, ionizers and humidifiers in the rooms you spend the most time in

• Wash your bedding, drapes and curtains once a week

• Consider using hypoallergenic sheets, pillows, pillowcases and comforters

• Wear a facemask that covers your nose and mouth while gardening or dealing with plants outdoors

• Take off your shoes when entering your house to avoid tracking pollen and other irritants inside

• Shower and wash your hair in the evening to remove pollen that’s accumulated on your body throughout the day

• Keep your pets indoors when possible and give them regular baths to rinse away pollen they’ve picked up in their fur

• Stay well hydrated to help keep your nose and sinuses moist