Lindale pediatrician shares tips for managing allergy symptoms

TYLER, Texas (KLTV) - If you’ve had the sniffles lately there’s a reason for them.

“We’re just now starting to see allergies pick up,” says Pediatrician Dr. Holly Blanco who is busy seeing more allergy-related visits at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Lindale Clinic.

“In springtime, tree pollen tends to be the primary allergen in the air,” says Dr. Blanco. “In East Texas, we have the cedar, the pine, and the elm trees that produce pollen that tend to aggravate our allergies.”

Typical symptoms include a runny nose, sneezing, and itchy watery eyes. Dr. Blanco says you can prevent exposure and reduce these symptoms by keeping your windows closed and using the AC unit with the help of a filter.

“If you’re going to be outside, taking a shower once you come inside, and if you tend to have those eye symptoms, even wearing sunglasses can try to help reduce some of that pollen getting into your eyes, causing the irritation,” says Dr. Blanco.

If symptoms persist, prescription or non-prescription nasal steroids like Flonase or Nasonex may be added.

“Then there’s even newer products that actually have a nasal antihistamine in them called astalin that we’re using as well,” says Dr. Blanco.

In some cases where individuals with severe or difficult-to-control symptoms come into play, she recommends for people to ask about allergy shots.

“Once we know what your triggering factors are, then they can make solutions,” says Dr. Blanco.

But that can take time and trial and error.

“Typically you’ll be getting allergy shots for four or five years to really desensitize you to everything,” says Dr. Blanco.

Allergy season is here and Dr. Blanco says the sooner you start managing your symptoms, the better your spring will be.

It is recommended to see a doctor for allergies if symptoms are severe and persistent or not relieved by over-the-counter medication.