Millions suffer from allergies, yet most have not figured out how to properly treat them. We wait until our head feels like it will explode and dredge up every kind of medication searching for a fix, while cursing the doctor for not giving us an antibiotic. Even if we get an antibiotic, it still takes at least 3 weeks before we feel better. I made many allergy mistakes but have not taken an antibiotic for years because I finally figured out how to treat the main cause instead of a Band-Aid that never seems to stick.

Take this test if you are not sure if you have allergies or a cold that comes up every spring.

My twins in allergy season

Dr. Deb’s Top Allergy Mistakes


1. Medicating Too Little, Too Late

Allergies are really the result of a chain reaction. Trees, flowers and mold trigger an inflammation response in the body that leads to histamine release, followed by sneezing, itchiness then the congestion. Most people wait until they are bothered by the congestion instead of treating the root cause.

Medication for allergies should be started 2 weeks before exposure to your allergen to prevent your body from reacting. For many that means start the medication now before the flowers have bloomed. Several options include:

Steroid Nasal Sprays like Flonase,  by a prescription, should be taken at the beginning of the season or first inkling of symptoms and continued for about 3 weeks. Some allergens will persists anywhere from 8-12 or even 20 weeks so many will take throughout the season. Studies have shown that nasal steroids are the most effective preventative treatment.

Cromolyn or Nasalcort is over the counter taken daily will prevent the allergies using Cromolyn Sodium but must be taken early in the season and used frequently. It may not be as effective as nasal steroids but is safe and easier to buy without a prescription.

Leukotriene inhibitors like Singulair is another anti-inflammatory medication that works and helps reduce inflammation and can be used with other medications.

2. Inviting Triggers In instead of Avoiding Them

People often invite those allergens into their homes by opening windows instead of creating a barrier.

Instead of opening the windows, close them and use air conditioning. Use masks when outside if gardening and use plastic covers for pillows, and mattresses. Use air filters in your furnace that should be changed every 3 months.

Avoid going outside when there is a high pollen count but beware. Many Pollen counts. have been shown to not be very accurate.  Click here for a good source for up to date information.

3. Not Washing Triggers Right Away

Many people shower in the morning but the worse thing you can do for your allergies is to go to bed after being exposed without washing. Take a shower after exercising outside and wear fresh clothes washed with warm water. Wash sheets in hot water once a week.

MOST IMPORTANTLY: Wash nasal passages with normal saline, 5 squirts in each nostril or the netty pot to power wash the sinuses at least twice a day and especially after exercising outside. This is the best way to both prevent and treat allergies.

4. Not Knowing Your Trigger

If you have already avoided the first 3 mistakes and still suffer from allergies then a visit to an allergist is in order. Skin testing is more sensitive than a blood test and may provide critical information. They may point to the benefit of allergy shots that have actually been shown to decrease overall health care cost by one third in children with hay fever.

5. Eating Fruits that may Promote your Allergy

One out of 20 people who are allergic to pollen has Oral Allergy Syndrome. Foods such as pears, cherries, peaches, apples, melons and nuts cause breakouts or itching in the throat or around the mouth because your body mistakes them for pollen. Eating only peeled fruit or cooking may avoid the problem. Talk to your doctor.

You can visit my older posts for more information about medication options.

The first buds have sprouted and so have the sniffles. Treat now and wash them away so you don’t have major cloggage next week. Happy Spring!

Dr. Deb