How to Fight Off Seasonal Allergies

May is National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month. For many of you whose allergies cause you to dread the end of winter, that's probably no surprise. This spring has already been labeled as one of the worst allergy seasons in decades, with many experts predicting it to be the worst ever. How bad is it? A recent pollen count in Atlanta registered 5,733 – the second-highest level ever for that city – and scientists counted 8,000 in Kansas. To get a sense of what these numbers mean, consider that in normal years anything between 50 and 500 is considered high and a count of 500 is very high. According to allergy expert and former president of the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology Dr. Michael Blaiss, "Levels of 8,000 are off the wall."

What's going on? Some scientists are blaming this especially virulent allergy season on global warming. Plants need warmth and carbon dioxide to grow, both of which are becoming more and more abundant with each passing year. In addition, spring came late this year. In parts of the country, the weather went from snowy to balmy in the span of two weeks. The result? Grasses, plants and trees that typically flower over the course of a couple of months are blooming at the same time. "Instead of different trees pollinating at different times over a slow period of time," says Dr. Blaiss, "what we saw was all types of pollen coming out at one time."

So if you suffer from hay fever, be prepared. Luckily, Dr. Blass helped us come up with a few excellent tips on how to fight off seasonal allergies so you can get outside and enjoy the spring sunshine.

Symptoms: Itchy, Red Eyes and a Scratchy Throat

What to do: Avoid pollen as best you can.

First steps: Try staying indoors when pollen is the highest. According to Dr. Blaiss, that's between 6 and 9 a.m. and at dusk. Also, keep the windows to your house and car closed at all times to keep the pollen outside. When you do go outside, make sure to wear sunglasses or other protective eyewear that keeps the pollen from getting in your eyes. "Once you've come in from the outdoors, change clothes and shower so that you don't spread the pollen throughout the house," says Dr. Blaiss.

Extra ammunition: If you're doing your best to avoid pollen but still have itchy red eyes, head to the pharmacy for some over-the-counter eye drops. "But be careful," warns Dr. Blaiss, "because many are ineffective and some, in fact, can even cause a rebound effect and make the eyes worse." To avoid this rebound effect, steer clear of any eye drops that include a decongestant, and go for a brand whose active ingredient is ketotifen.

Symptoms: Runny nose and constant sneezing

What to do: Flush out excess mucus from your nose and sinuses.

First steps: For mild symptoms, simply steaming your face, drinking hot peppermint or chamomile tea, or taking a long, hot shower can help.

Extra ammunition: For more tenacious sinus trouble, Dr. Blaiss suggests going to the pharmacy for second-generation antihistamines, such as loratadine and cetirizine, both of which are non-sedating and long-lasting. Neti pots have also garnered a lot of attention recently, and there are a number of options out there. Visit your local pharmacy to learn more.

Symptoms: Cough, Cough, and More Cough

What to do: Don't ignore; it could be more serious that allergies.

First steps: Home remedies, like hot tea and cough drops, can help mild coughs and sore throats.

Extra ammunition: If you're coughing nonstop and wheezing like you just ran a marathon (even though you're sitting at your desk), it's possible that you're having mild asthma attacks. According to Dr. Blaiss, allergy season can trigger asthma symptoms in some people for the very first time. "It's important that if you're experiencing these symptoms, you go see your physician," he says. It's so important, in fact, that the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology offers free asthma screenings nationwide during the month of May. So if you're experiencing really bad lung-related symptoms, find a screening center near you, and go get checked out.

Symptom: Trouble Sleeping

What to do: Target and treat the symptom that's keeping you awake.

First steps: For most people, the culprit is usually nasal congestion. To treat allergy-related nasal congestion, Dr. Blaiss suggests taking pseudoephedrine or an antihistamine that includes a decongestant.

Extra ammunition: Read these tips for dealing with decongestion. And, of course, make sure your bedroom is relaxing, and do everything you can to unwind before bedtime. Visit the Sleep Sanctuary to learn how.

Symptoms: Constant lack of energy, stuffy head, clogged ears, and more

What to do: Fight back; get more help.

First steps: For some people, allergy symptoms dominate their daily lives. If over-the-counter and home remedies aren't working, go visit your healthcare provider ASAP. You can use Healthline's DocSearch to find a great allergist near you. Sure, nobody dies of seasonal allergies, but, as Dr. Blaiss reminds us, "There are some serious co-morbidities associated with it." Untreated allergies can lead to sleep apnea, chronic sinus problems, recurrent ear problems (especially in children), loss of sleep, and asthma.

Extra ammunition: Your doctor can prescribe stronger medication or recommend immunotherapy. Usually a last resort, immunotherapy involves getting weekly shots that immunize you from what you're allergic to. It can be highly effective for people suffering debilitating seasonal allergy symptoms.

The good news is that while this year's allergy season may be severe, that same intensity and high concentration of pollen all at once means that the season will probably be shorter than usual. After all, trees and flowers can't pollinate forever. To get more information about Allergy and Asthma Awareness Month, including awareness events near you, visit the Environmental Protection Agency website.