April Showers Bring More than May Flowers

If seasonal allergies affect you, you’re not alone. Symptoms of sneezing, sniffles, and wheezing as well as allergic conjunctivitis are common in April in Alabama. People with respiratory illnesses such as asthma may also suffer from allergies at this time.

One in four adults in the United States reported having a seasonal allergy in 2021. More than 4 million physician office visits with allergy as the primary diagnosis are made each year, and allergies are the sixth leading cause of chronic illness in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Health Interview Survey, the percentage of adults with a seasonal allergy was higher in non-Hispanic White adults compared with non-Hispanic Black and non-Hispanic Asian adults.

Seasonal allergies are triggered by airborne pollen, particularly pollen releases by grasses, trees, and weeds. Your body’s immune system identifies pollen as a threat and releases signals that lead to symptoms. Each plant releases pollen at different times of the year. Specialists believe pollen counts in Alabama are highest in April, May, June, and September.

The severity of symptoms during an allergic reaction can vary widely. Some of the multiple symptoms of an allergic reaction include the following:

• Itchy, watery eyes
• Itchy nose
• Sneezing
• Runny nose
• Rashes
• Hives
• Redness
• Pain
• Tongue swelling
• Cough
• Throat closing
• Wheezing

To mitigate your symptoms when pollen counts are high or your symptoms are worse than usual, consider these strategies that do not involve medication:

• Limit your time outdoors, especially on windy days, and avoid yard work.
• Wear a hat and sunglasses to avoid getting pollen in your hair and to protect eyes.
• Keep windows and doors (including doors in your vehicle) closed.
• Use your air conditioner and keep your filter clean by replacing it regularly.
• Use a portable air cleaner/purifier in your home continuously.
• Vacuum your home with a vacuum cleaner that has a HEPA filter.
• Wear a clean face mask, avoid touching your face, and wash hands frequently.
• Leave shoes outside (and covered) to prevent bringing pollen into your home.
• Brush or wash your pets after they have been outside.
• Remove clothes worn outside and wash them as soon as you have finished wearing them.
• Shower or bathe, wash your hair, and change clothing before bed.

For some allergy sufferers, over-the-counter medications such as antihistamines and eye drops can be effective. Check with your doctor before beginning these medicines, even though no prescription is required. Some products may lead to drowsiness and have other side effects.

If symptoms are severe; however, ask your healthcare provider about other specific tests and treatments. Depending on your symptoms, an allergist may give you a skin-prick or scratch test, an intradermal skin test, a patch test, a blood test, or a challenge test. These treatments include nasal steroids, antihistamines, decongestants, and other medications and combinations. Your physician may also suggest immunotherapy--allergy shots--which can reduce your immune system’s response. Once you know your triggers, you can plan to avoid them.

Alabama has a long pollen season, and it can make you feel miserable, but relief can be available by taking precautions and getting effective treatment.

Scott Harris, M.D., M.P.H.
State Health Officer