South Palm Beach 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.

In the thick of spring allergy season, seasonal allergy sufferers might be wondering about testing or treatment options. Dr. Cody Aull of West Palm Beach Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers says patients have several options when it comes to allergy treatments, and he tries to help them determine which is best for them.

"Blood tests can tell us that these are the allergies that a patient has," Aull told South Palm Beach Today. "Those tests are great. Insurance does pay for those. Then we can set up your treatments based on those tests. Now you can get allergy shots. Those are usually covered by insurance, but every insurance company is different. So we sit down with the patient and say, 'Ultimately, this is what we have to get done. There are three different routes we can use to get this done. Which one works best for you?'"

Aull discusses the treatment options with patients to determine which is best for them.

"The one that I think everybody likes, that everybody would want, is what I used with my son for his allergies: sublingual drops," Aull said. "Every day, you put a few drops under your tongue and go about your business. That's actually the most common form done in the world, over in Europe and everywhere. It's not the most common form done here in the United States."

Spring allergy season can begin as early as February and last through early summer. 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 also cause an increase in mold spores.

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. One option is is a skin prick test, during which a doctor will insert 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, 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 during a skin test.

To minimize spring allergy symptoms, Mayo Clinic recommends staying indoors on dry, windy days when pollen is more likely to be spreading. 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.