Spring is in the air … and unfortunately so is pollen. If you have itchy, watery eyes and find yourself sneezing, you may be one of the millions of people suffering from seasonal allergies.

The good news is that you do not have to suffer with allergy symptoms, according to the team at LVPG Ear, Nose and Throat. “There are a lot of great over-the-counter medications to relieve your allergy symptoms,” says ear, nose and throat specialist Keith Pritchyk, MD, with LVPG Ear, Nose and Throat–Steamtown.

Is it allergies or something more?

Dr. Pritchyk admits that it can sometimes be difficult to differentiate between allergies and a cold or even COVID-19.

“Allergies can cause symptoms similar to COVID-19 and colds like fatigue, headache, sore throat and congestion. The biggest difference is that allergies can cause itchy, watery eyes. Allergies also do not cause fevers or shortness of breath,” says Dr. Pritchyk.

Another sign of seasonal allergies is having recurring symptoms the same time each year. “If you have an onset of symptoms such as sneezing, nasal congestion, fatigue and itchy watery eyes, and you notice they seem to be a repeat from last year, you have seasonal allergies,” says Meredith Sellix, PA-C, with LVPG Ear, Nose and Throat–Carbon.

Controlling your allergy symptoms

While your first instinct may be to run for the allergy aisle at the nearest pharmacy, Dr. Pritchyk says there are other options. “Avoidance of allergies is the first line of treatment. Close your windows, wash your face and clothing when you come indoors, wear a face mask when cutting grass and try an air purifier with a HEPA filter at home,” he says.

If that fails, it is time to try medication. Sellix recommends nasal steroids as the first line of therapy.

Examples are Flonase (fluticasone propionate) and Nasonex (mometasone), which treat all the symptoms of allergies, especially congestion. If symptoms persist, she suggests adding an over-the-counter antihistamine like Zyrtec (cetirizine), Xyzal (levocetirizine), Allegra (fexofenadine) or Claritin (loratadine).

Sellix says the amount of time you need to be on allergy medication is dependent on the type of allergies you have.

“If your allergies are specific to a certain season, you should take the allergy medication until the season is over, typically about 12 weeks. However, if you have perennial allergies, you should take the meds all year, or as long as you are exposed to the allergen,” Sellix says.

If your allergy symptoms persist despite all other efforts, it’s time to make an appointment with an allergist.

“An allergist will go over your medical history, medications and may recommend an allergy test to see what specific allergens are causing your symptoms. If medications are not controlling your symptoms or you cannot tolerate the medications, you may be a candidate for immunotherapy. Immunotherapy (allergy shots) is the only way to potentially cure allergy symptoms,” Dr. Pritchyk says.

To make an appointment with an LVPG Ear, Nose and Throat clinician, call 888-402-LVHN (5846), or visit LVHN.org.