Litchfield Hills Today

• 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.

Springtime means the arrival of a changing landscape of green grass and bright flowers, along with sneezing, watery red eyes and a runny nose, thanks to allergies.

The time period from February until early summer is spring allergy season. Common triggers are tree pollen early in the spring season and grass pollen later on in the season, according to the Flonase website. More-than-usual rain during the spring can lead to faster plant growth, which can escalate the growth of mold spores.

Those affected by seasonal allergies can take precautions, such as monitoring the pollen count and showering after coming inside. Ear, nose and throat (ENT) physicians can also offer treatments such as allergy drops or shots.

For the 50 million Americans who suffer from seasonal allergies, treatment can make a world of difference. Symptoms often include sneezing, coughing, congestion, itchy eyes, a runny nose and fatigue, according to Yale Medicine.

"My understanding is that some patients do need weekly allergy shots, but they can be changed to biweekly. There's sublingual options. I have the same patients who come in within the same week each year for a Kenalog shot, and they're good for six months," Dr. Terrance Kwiatkowski of CT ENT Sinus Center told Litchfield Hills Today. 

Those who decide to test for allergies typically have two options. One option is a skin prick test, during which a doctor inserts a tiny number 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, and patients typically have their results within one to 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, it allows doctors to test for more allergens than a skin test.

"There's a lot of patients out there, and there's a lot of options, and that's why we individualize our care," Kwiatkowski said. "We take the time to get the right history. We find out how long it's been bothering them. We find out what worked or what hasn't worked in the past, then we'll individualize that care for each patient because we have the time to do so."

To minimize spring allergy symptoms, Mayo Clinic recommends staying indoors on dry, windy days when pollen is more likely to be spreading. Allergy sufferers can also try an over-the-counter remedy, such as oral decongestants, antihistamines or nasal sprays. If those solutions don't ease the allergy symptoms, alternative treatments such as allergy shots or immunotherapy could provide relief.

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