With a rainier than average winter, as an allergist practicing in Scottsdale, I’ve observed a surge in patients seeking relief from spring allergy symptoms. As the weather warms up and pollen levels rise, here are some tips for surviving allergy season in Arizona and to help keep your allergies at bay before considering a visit to an allergist.
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1. Use a nasal or eye rinse to wash away any irritants you might have picked up throughout your day. Washing your target organs is the best way to bring soothing relief from irritated eyes and nose, a common symptom for those suffering from allergies. I recommend a sinus rinse before bed to flush any pollen and dust that might be lingering from the day. For eyes, a rinse with refrigerated sterile buffered saline is the best way to combat irritation.
2. Deep Clean your space. Spring cleaning isn’t just for decluttering! Spring allergy season conveniently coincides with everyone’s deep clean before summer, making this the perfect time to focus on cleaning up dust and dander sticking around in the winter. Make sure you change your heating and air conditioner filters frequently and add an air purifier to common areas to avoid the spread of allergens.
3. Pets are also a sneaky cause for allergies and not in the way you might think. Yes, frequent grooming can help prevent dander that many are allergic to, but outdoor pets also have the ability to track in allergens from their time outside. I always suggests giving your pet a quick wipe down with a wipe to remove any pollen they might have stuck to their fur from their time outside.
During high pollen seasons, it is always best to change right when you get home. Getting into washed clothes the moment you arrive home will prevent the mistake of transferring pollen throughout your house and onto your furniture. Showering before bed can also eliminate carriage of pollen into bed with you. My patients are encouraged to keep their bed linens clean to prevent allergens from disrupting their sleep.
If your allergy symptoms persist after trying these tips and using over-the-counter medications like antihistamines, it may be time to seek professional help from an allergist. Allergists can provide personalized treatment plans and discuss options such as immunotherapy (allergy shots) to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life. Don’t let allergies disrupt your spring – take proactive steps to manage them effectively.
For more information or to make an appointment, visit https://www.relieveallergyaz.com/ or call (480) 500-1902.
Author: Dr. Julie Wendt earned Bachelor of Science degrees in biochemistry and biology honors from the University of Illinois, a Ph.D. in microbiology and immunology from Vanderbilt University and a Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Tennessee College of Medicine. She completed residency at Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke’s Medical Center and an allergy and immunology fellowship at Rush University Medical Center, both in Chicago. In private practice since 2005, Dr. Wendt has published a great deal of research. She has received the American Medical Association Physician’s Recognition Award, a Patient’s Choice Award and is noted as one of America’s Top Physicians. Dr. Wendt is former President of the Arizona Allergy and Asthma Society. For more information, visit https://relieveallergyaz.com/.
