Sneezing, stuffiness, watery eyes—spring in the Lowcountry may have you feeling under attack, and the enemy could be allergies, a cold, or a sinus infection. So which to fight? “Itchiness is often the key distinguishing symptom,” explains Roper St. Francis Healthcare internal medicine physician Dr. Caroline Spitznagel. Itchy eyes, nose, or throat points to allergies, while fatigue, sore throat, and body aches may accompany a cold. If symptoms improve and then worsen; last more than 10 days; or include facial pain, fever or thick nasal drainage, sinus infection is the likely culprit.
While the latter two often stem from a virus, seasonal allergies are caused by an airborne attack of substances (pollen incoming!) that appear only at certain times of the year. Of course, our warm climate means a rotating cycle of different types of pollen. As a result, “some patients experience symptoms nearly year round,” says the doctor.
In Charleston, the main offender in spring is tree pollen, while grass and ragweed become problematic in fall. Some allergens are obvious, like the yellow pollen coating cars and other outdoor surfaces; others are microscopic and float in the air. Warm, breezy and dry days are the toughest for those with seasonal allergies, and though rain can bring relief, it’s only temporary.
Aim for relief with medication
While many people develop allergies at a young age, “it’s not uncommon for patients to develop allergies later in life,” says Dr. Spitznagel, explaining that allergies progress with cumulative exposure. The physician frequently sees Charleston newcomers who are experiencing allergies for the first time, because their immune systems haven’t previously encountered these environmental allergens. Eventually, the immune system waves the white flag. “I reassure patients that adult-onset allergies are common and very manageable with treatment.”
Over-the-counter options like non-sedating oral antihistamines and steroid nasal sprays are Dr. Spitznagel’s go-to first line of defense. She emphasizes consistency and correct technique—such medications work best if you begin taking them a week or two before symptoms appear. While these are effective for most people, some need prescription drugs to gain relief. Allergy shots can help, too, though they typically need six months to take full effect.
“If symptoms are affecting sleep, work or daily life, or if there is concern for asthma, make an appointment,” urges Dr. Spitznagel. “Primary care doctors can manage most allergy symptoms, but a referral to an allergist may be appropriate when symptoms are persistent or severe.”
Put allergies in check: Pollen is unavoidable, but following these tips can help reduce your exposure:
- On high-pollen days, keep the windows in your home closed. Use the “recirculate” feature on your home air conditioning unit and in your car to prevent pollen from entering your space.
- Pollen will stick to your hair, eyelashes, skin and clothes. After you come inside, be sure to wash your face and hands to remove any pollen. Shower or take a bath every day before going to bed to remove pollen from hair and skin.
- Dry all clothing and bedding in the clothes dryer, not on an outside clothesline.
- Be sure to bathe your dog regularly, since man’s best friend can attract pollen too.
- Wear sunglasses outside to protect your eyes from pollen.
- When doing yard work, wear gloves and a face mask.
Your smartphone can help you track local allergens and log your symptoms. Check out the app store on your phone for popular free options such as Allergy Plus and My Pollen Forecast.
Still sniffling through the season?
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