June 1, 2025 The Best Source of News, Culture, Lifestyle for Culver City, Mar Vista, Del Rey, Palms and West Los Angeles

Finally! Solutions for Spring Allergies

Spring is upon us – and so is allergy season. Seasonal allergies are common but they can be quite debilitating, affecting our quality of life and daily functioning. They develop when our body’s immune system becomes sensitized and overreacts to certain environmental triggers such as pollen from grass, ragweed, flowers or trees.

Nasal allergies, known as allergic rhinitis in the medical community, affect about 50 million Americans. Those with asthma may have more severe symptoms. Several patients suffering from allergies have come to my office feeling miserable, seeking advice for symptom relief. As someone who suffers from allergies, I can empathize with them.

Common allergy symptoms include:

  • Runny, itchy or stuffy nose (congestion).
  • Sneezing.
  • Itchy, red or watery eyes
    (allergic conjunctivitis).
  • Head congestion or headaches.
  • Fullness in ears

(from blocked Eustachian tubes).

  • Difficulty breathing.
  • Hoarse voice (from post-nasal drip).
  • Fatigue (likely from poor quality sleep due to nasal obstruction or congestion).

Some of my geriatric patients with nasal allergies have complained of fullness in ears that worsens their problems with hearing, balance and light-headedness.

Fortunately, there are ways to minimize allergy symptoms by reducing your pollen exposure. These preventive measures include:

Be aware of allergy triggers and avoid them when possible.

  • Stay indoors mid-day and afternoon,
    when pollen counts are usually highest.
  • Clean your carpet, floors, sheets and
    curtains more frequently.
  • Keep windows closed in your home and car.
  • Run air conditioning, if available, in
    your home and car to help remove
    pollen from the air.
  • Avoid going outdoors on windy days with
    high-pollen counts. Plan ahead by checking
    local weather reports.
  • Consider using HEPA filters / air purifiers.
  • Wash your hands after handling pets.
    Consider bathing them more frequently, if
    appropriate, to minimize pollen and
    pet-dander exposure.
  • Change your clothes and shower after
    spending extended time outdoors.

 

Several over-the-counter medications are available to treat allergy symptoms, including:

  • Oral antihistamines, such as loratadine (Claritin), cetirizine (Zyrtec), and fexofenadine (Allegra). These medications are typically non-sedating and available as generics. They are listed in order of increasing strength and severity of potential side effects, which include dry eyes and mouth and constipation. People respond differently to these medications and should consult with their physician. In general, geriatric patients should avoid oral antihistamines such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and Chlorpheniramine, which are sedating and can increase the risk of worsening confusion, memory problems and falls.
  • Nasal saline rinses. They can help relieve mild congestion, prevent crusting and loosen mucus, are safe to use and contain no medications.
  • Nasal corticosteroids (steroid) sprays, such as Nasacort and Flonase. Previously available by prescription only, they now are available over-the-counter. They help reduce nasal inflammation and congestion, but can take one to two weeks to be effective.
  • Artificial tears, which can help with dry, itchy eyes.
  • Other medications include oral and nasal decongestants and various types of eye drops. However, they can have potential side effects and should be discussed with a medical provider before they are used.

Some patients with severe allergies may need to see an allergist for further testing and treatment.

Please see your doctor if you have any questions or concerns about seasonal allergy symptoms.

Further information can be found at the “Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America” website, aafa.org.

Dr. Hong-Phuc Tran is a board-certified geriatrician with the highly regarded UCLA Geriatrics Program in Santa Monica and Westwood. For more information, call 310.319.4371 or visit www.uclahealth.org.

Tags: , in News
Related Posts

Defensible Space, Defined: How A Plus Tree Protects Communities from Wildfire

May 30, 2025

May 30, 2025

In the wildfire-prone landscapes of the Western United States, safeguarding homes and communities requires proactive measures. A Plus Tree, a...

WeHo Pride Weekend Begins and 2025 Icons Announced: Parades, Concerts, and Community Celebration Kicks Off

May 30, 2025

May 30, 2025

Three-Day LGBTQ+ Festival Features Performances by Lizzo, Maren Morris, and Kim Petras West Hollywood is preparing to kick off its...

Palisades Village to Reopen in 2026 with Revamped Retail, Dining, and Community Spaces

May 29, 2025

May 29, 2025

Elysewalker Set to Return With Park Reconstruction, Holiday Events, and Streetscape Upgrades Palisades Village, the open-air shopping and lifestyle destination...

Bel Air Seventh Grader Reaches Finals of Scripps National Spelling Bee

May 29, 2025

May 29, 2025

Oliver Halkett of Mirman School Competed on Thursday for a $50,000 prize Thirteen-year-old Oliver Halkett, a seventh grader from Mirman...

(Video) Signs That Your Aging Loved Ones Are in Need of Caregiving

May 29, 2025

May 29, 2025

To Find Out More, Go To Safelyhomeagain.com To Find Out More, Go To https://t.co/ZCPyKHj5aq pic.twitter.com/cDTEPjfA6s — Westside Today (@WestsideLAToday) May...

Two Men Charged in Culver City Kidnapping and Robbery After Victim Forced to Withdraw Cash

May 29, 2025

May 29, 2025

Suspects Allegedly Abducted Man at Gunpoint, Drove Him to Multiple Banks  Two men have been arrested and formally charged in...

Salt & Straw Unveils Summer Pie Series with Five Seasonal Ice Cream Flavors

May 29, 2025

May 29, 2025

Five New Flavors Inspired by Classic Summer Pies Will Be Introduced Salt & Straw is giving summer a scoopable twist...

(Video) Interviews with Rick Caruso and Elyse Walker, with a Dennis Quaid cameo

May 28, 2025

May 28, 2025

We spoke at the Press Conference to announce plans to reopen Palisades Village Shopping Mall. Actor Dennis Quaid arrives to...

Levain Bakery Debuts ‘Levain à la Mode’ with Local Ice Cream Partners for Summer

May 28, 2025

May 28, 2025

Seasonal Offering With Wanderlust Creamery is a First in Cookie Shop’s History For the first time in its three-decade history,...

Beverly Glen Sixth Grader Advances to Finals of National Student Cook-Off

May 28, 2025

May 28, 2025

Twelve-Year-Old Heads to Virginia to Compete in K12 Culinary Competition Abijah Levy Minor, a 12-year-old student from Beverly Glen, has...

Sarah Paulson to Host Charity Bingo Night for Pasadena Humane Society on June 5

May 28, 2025

May 28, 2025

Evening of Food, Wine, and Live Music to Raise Funds for Animal Rescue Efforts Emmy-winning actress Sarah Paulson will host...

Bay Cities Italian Deli Responds to Health Code Closure, Commits to Corrective Action

May 28, 2025

May 28, 2025

Santa Monica Landmark Disputes Rodent Claims but Acknowledges Violations Bay Cities Italian Deli, a Santa Monica staple renowned for its...

Film Review: Bring Her Back

May 28, 2025

May 28, 2025

By Dolores Quintana Grief is the price of love.  Danny Philippou and Michael Philippou’s second feature film, Bring Her Back,...

County Assessor Stresses Need For Fire-Affected Households to Update Addresses to Receive Relief Checks

May 28, 2025

May 28, 2025

Assessor’s Office Offers Automatic Tax Relief for Fire-Affected Homeowners Following the destruction caused by wildfires earlier this year, the Los...

Caltrans Schedules Public Meeting for $143.7 Million I-405 Rehabilitation Project

May 28, 2025

May 28, 2025

Virtual Forum Set to Brief Residents on Upcoming Construction The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) will hold a virtual public...