PHX Reporter

• 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.

In the thick of spring allergy season, seasonal allergy sufferers may wonder about testing or treatment options. Dr. John Stewart of Arizona Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers said allergy patients have several testing options to choose from, depending on what works best for them.

The 50 million Americans who suffer from seasonal allergies might experience sneezing, coughing, congestion, itchy eyes, a runny nose and fatigue, according to Yale Medicine. People who need to undergo testing for allergies typically have two options: a blood test or a skin test.

While the blood test is not offered in Stewart’s office, there are labs that can conduct a blood test for people who are on certain medications or have certain disorders. During this test, the patient’s blood is drawn and tested for allergens in a lab. Although this testing method takes longer to produce results, it allows doctors to test for more allergens than a skin test.

"That might be a better choice for some patients, or they have certain conditions where if they come off their allergy medicines, they break out in hives because there are other allergies going on," Stewart told PHX Reporter. “With standard allergy testing, we want people to be off allergy medicines, or it's sort of like doing an eye exam with your glasses on."

With the skin prick test, a doctor inserts a tiny amount 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.

"It's not invasive; it doesn't hurt,” Stewart said. “It's a quick and easy test, but one that is definitely sensitive to the effects of allergy medicines. If you take an Allegra or Benadryl or something along those lines, we're definitely going to see a muted response. The RAST test or the blood test is a good alternative for them. They can stay on their medicines, and it takes about two weeks to get the results, unlike 25 minutes for the skin test."

Spring allergy season can begin in February and last through early summer, according to the Flonase website. Common triggers are tree pollen early in the spring season and grass pollen later in the season. An increase in precipitation can lead to faster plant growth, which can also cause an increase in mold spores.

To minimize spring allergy symptoms, Mayo Clinic recommends staying indoors on dry, windy days when pollen is more likely to spread. Allergy sufferers should also shower after coming indoors to remove any pollen from their skin. Checking the pollen count on a local news station or the internet can help people with allergies plan for when it is best to stay indoors and keep windows shut.

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 and sinusitis, take this Sinus Self-Assessment Quiz.