Spring in Kentucky brings beautiful flowering trees and rolling hills of Kentucky bluegrass, but with it comes a spike in allergy symptoms. Louisville is consistently ranked as one of the worst cities in the U.S. for seasonal allergies, largely due to high levels of pollen and other airborne allergens.
The main culprits include:
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- Bluegrass pollen in combination with other grasses, trees and molds in the area
- Geography associated with living in the Ohio River Valley
- Variable air quality factors like smog and humidity
Tips to Reduce Pollen Exposure
You can minimize your exposure to pollen by following these tips:
- Keep windows closed in your home and car and run the air conditioner instead.
- Take a shower before going to bed to rinse off pollen.
- Remove shoes immediately after coming inside.
- Avoid touching your eyes and face.
- Monitor pollen counts and stay indoors when levels are high (check updated pollen counts through IQAir)
- Wear a mask while mowing the lawn or doing yardwork.
- Wash clothing and linens frequently and in hot, soapy water.
- Consider investing in a high-quality high-efficiency particulate air filter for your home.
Treatment Options for Allergies
While reducing pollen exposure is helpful, it may not be enough for everyone. Fortunately, a wide range of effective treatments are available:
- Nasal saline rinse: Use twice daily, especially after coming indoors or before bed. Always use boiled or distilled water, not tap water, to avoid contamination.
- Antihistamines: Cetirizine, loratadine, fexofenadine and levocetirizine are non-drowsy, over-the-counter options that are inexpensive when bought in bulk. Avoid older medications like diphenhydramine and chlorpheniramine when possible.
- Eye drops: Over-the-counter allergy eye drops can effectively relieve itchy, watery eyes.
- Decongestants: Pseudoephedrine can help reduce nasal swelling for short-term use but may increase blood pressure or cause other side effects if used long term.
- Steroid nasal sprays: Budesonide, fluticasone and triamcinolone are effective and available over the counter.
- Allergy testing: Identifying specific triggers allows for more personalized treatment.
- Allergy shots (immunotherapy): These shots can help reduce long-term sensitivity to allergens like pollen.
- Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT): An alternative to shots, SLIT involves placing small doses of allergens under the tongue.
- Surgical options: In cases of chronic nasal obstruction, a deviated septum may be contributing to symptoms. Septoplasty may be recommended if other treatments fail.
UofL Health Can Help
UofL Physicians – Ear, Nose & Throat specializes in diagnosing and treating allergy symptoms affecting the head and neck. We offer a full range of allergy testing and treatment options, including:
- Comprehensive ENT care for chronic symptoms
- Skin prick and intradermal testing
- Subcutaneous immunotherapy and SLIT
