Spring is here, and while it brings flowers and pleasant weather, it also invites along the most unwelcome of guests – seasonal allergies. Dr. Masayoshi Takashima, chair of the Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery at Houston Methodist, has answers for commonly asked questions about coping with seasonal allergies.

 

Question: What can you do to prevent seasonal allergies?

 

Dr. Takashima:Prevention is largely about minimizing exposure. Showering before bed helps remove pollen from your hair and skin. Using HEPA air filters in the bedroom can reduce indoor allergens. Wearing hats and sunglasses outdoors can limit pollen exposure. Regularly washing sheets in hot water and using dust mite covers on bedding are also important.

 

Q: Is allergy season getting longer or worse each year?

 

Dr. Takashima: Yes. Research shows pollen seasons are getting longer, largely due to warmer temperatures. As a result, more people are experiencing allergy symptoms that may last longer than they did in the past.

 

Q: What trusted source do you recommend someone use to find out their local allergen count?

 

Dr. Takashima: I recommend using location-specific websites and mobile apps that track local allergens, as well as resources such as pollen.com. These tools track tree, grass, weed pollen and mold spores and can help people connect their symptoms to what is happening in the environment.

 

Q: At what point do you need to see a doctor for seasonal allergies?

 

Dr. Takashima: You should see a doctor if allergy symptoms are affecting your quality of life, sleep or ability to focus or if they are worsening asthma symptoms. If over-the-counter medications are not helping, there are effective medical treatments available beyond basic allergy medicines.

 

Q: What options are available for those suffering from the most severe allergies?

 

Dr. Takashima: For patients with the most severe allergies, there are several options beyond basic over-the-counter medications. In addition to prescription nasal sprays, antihistamines and immunotherapy such as allergy shots or drops taken under the tongue, Houston Methodist also offers a minimally invasive, in-office procedure that targets the posterior nasal nerve. This procedure helps reduce nerve signals that drive chronic nasal symptoms like congestion and a runny nose. It has shown high effectiveness, carries a low risk of complications and can be a good option for patients whose symptoms significantly affect their quality of life despite standard treatments.

 

Q: Are there any natural remedies for allergies?

 

Dr. Takashima:Yes. Allergies happen because the immune system overreacts to things like pollen, dust mites or pet dander. Natural approaches focus on reducing exposure and inflammation. Simple steps such as nasal irrigation, showering before bed and using HEPA air filters can help remove allergens and reduce symptoms. These strategies can be very effective for mild to moderate allergies.

 

Q: What are your top tips for at-home remedies to manage your allergies?

 

Dr. Takashima: Nasal irrigation is one of the most effective at-home remedies because it flushes allergens out of the nasal passages. Showering before bed, using HEPA air filters and controlling dust mites by washing bedding frequently also makea big difference. These steps work together to reduce allergen exposure in the places where people spend the most time.

 

Q: Should you do a nasal rinse?

 

Dr. Takashima: Yes. Nasal irrigation is a common and effective natural remedy. I often describe it as cleaning the body’s air filter. Flushing allergens out of the nose can significantly reduce congestion and irritation.

 

Q: Is it better to do a nasal rinse daily vs. as needed for allergy management?

 

Dr. Takashima: It depends on the individual. The frequency should be personalized based on how severe your allergies are, how often you have symptoms and your lifestyle and exposure. During high allergy seasons, being proactive and using nasal rinses more regularly can be helpful. As symptoms improve, many people can scale back to using them as needed.

 

Q: Why does one side of my nose feel congested while the other one is fine?

 

Dr. Takashima: This is usually a normal, physiological process. Inside the nose are structures called turbinates that help regulate airflow, humidify the air and filter what we breathe in. They naturally swell and shrink in an alternating cycle, so one side of the nose is often more open while the other is more congested.

 

If you also have allergies, the extra inflammation can make the congestion more noticeable. Increased blood flow can cause the turbinates to swell further. You tend to notice this more when you are lying down because more blood flows to the head when your heart and head are at the same level. In many cases, simply sitting up, standing or changing positions allows the congestion to improve within a few minutes.

 

To schedule an interview with Takashima, contact Amy McCaig, manager of public relations at Houston Methodist, at 217.417.2901.