Maryland State Wire

• 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.

Allergy season is here, and that means there will be plenty of sniffling, coughing, sneezing and a plethora of other symptoms.

With the spring allergy season taking place over the next several months, millions of people suffer from symptoms and are probably wondering how to go about alleviating them. Dr. James Oberman of Frederick Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers has some insight on allergy treatment.

"Some still do better with allergy shots, but there's also the sublingual route that we can always consider if they do have a needle phobia or can't make it to a monthly doctor's appointment, or if that doesn't work well with their lifestyle in addition to the medical management," Oberman told Maryland State Wire.

Spring allergy season can begin as early as February and last through the early summer months, according to the Flonase website. Allergy triggers tend to be tree pollen in the spring and then grass pollen later in the season. If there are periods of more rain than usual, plants can grow faster and can cause an increase in mold spores.

About 50 million Americans suffer from seasonal allergies, and the majority have symptoms including sneezing, coughing, congestion, itchy eyes, a runny nose and fatigue, according to Yale Medicine. Allergy sufferers who need to get tested for allergies generally have two options.

The first option is a skin prick test, where a doctor inserts a small 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 and results come back in a day or two. The second option is a blood test, where blood is taken and tested for allergens in a lab. While the testing takes longer to receive results, it allows doctors test for more allergens.

Mayo Clinic recommends staying indoors on dry and windy days, when pollen is more likely to be spreading. Staying inside will minimize the symptoms. Allergy sufferers should also shower after coming indoors to remove pollen from the skin.

Another suggestion is checking the news for the pollen count to plan on when to keep windows shut or stay indoors. Allergy sufferers can try over-the-counter medications and remedies, such as antihistamines, nasal sprays and oral decongestants as well. You can also try allergy shots or sublingual immunotherapy at a doctor's office, like Frederick Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers, if other remedies don’t work.

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