In this article, I will discuss a topic we’re probably all very familiar with, especially in Georgia — allergies.
So what are allergies, exactly? Allergies can be anything your body comes in contact with that your immune system doesn’t like. It basically overreacts or overresponds to that exposure. Here in Georgia, we’re all too familiar with pollen. That’s a good example of an allergen. Our body gets exposed to it, decides it doesn’t like it, and then we start experiencing those symptoms we’ve come to know all too well.
Common symptoms and why they happen
In most cases, allergy symptoms are mild. We’re talking runny nose, dry cough, congestion — things like that. Even though these symptoms are mild, they can still be a nuisance and interfere with daily life. Sometimes allergies can be more extreme, and I’ll touch on that later.
It’s important to understand that it’s not actually the allergen itself that causes our symptoms — it’s our body’s reaction to it. When we breathe in something like pollen, our immune system kicks in and produces antibodies. Those antibodies interact with allergy cells, called mast cells, which then release histamine. And histamine is the leading cause for the sneezing, congestion and all the other symptoms we deal with.
Many patients tell me, “Pollen never used to bother me, but now it does.” That’s because, over time, our bodies become more sensitive to these allergens. The more exposure we get, the more antibodies we produce — and the stronger our reactions become.
Common triggers in Georgia and beyond
There are a ton of things that can cause allergies. Environmental allergens are the big ones — ragweed, mold, dust and tree pollen. Pets are another common trigger. And of course, we’ve got food allergies, medication allergies, and even insect stings. It really depends on the individual and how their immune system responds.
For those living in Georgia, tree pollen — especially from pine, oak and cedar trees — ramps up between March and May. Grass pollen tends to hit in the summer, and ragweed is a big problem in the fall.
Allergy symptoms can sometimes mimic those of colds or viruses. You might get a runny nose, sneezing, itchy eyes, coughing, or rashes. People with asthma might notice wheezing or chest congestion. Food allergies can bring on symptoms like nausea, vomiting or diarrhea. And these reactions can look different from person to person.
Medication options for managing symptoms
So, what can we do to treat allergies? The most common and probably most familiar option is oral antihistamines. These medications block histamine from binding to receptors, which helps reduce your symptoms. Meds like Zyrtec, Claritin, Allegra and Benadryl all fall into this category. Benadryl works well but tends to make people drowsy, so we recommend second-generation options like Claritin or Allegra for daily use.
Decongestants like Sudafed can also help — these shrink blood vessels in your nasal passages to relieve that stuffed-up feeling. You’ll often see decongestants combined with antihistamines in products like Claritin-D or Zyrtec-D. Just be careful — they can raise blood pressure or cause jitteriness, so we don’t recommend them all the time.
Nasal corticosteroids — like Flonase or Nasacort — are great for calming inflammation and work really well when combined with an oral antihistamine. For more severe reactions, we sometimes use oral or injectable steroids like prednisone or dexamethasone to calm things down quickly.
Singulair is another option, especially if antihistamines aren’t cutting it. It blocks certain immune chemicals that cause inflammation and is often used in patients with asthma and allergies.
Long-term solutions and emergencies
Then there’s immunotherapy — also known as allergy shots. These are long-term treatments that slowly desensitize your immune system to specific allergens. It’s a gradual process, but it can be very effective in people with severe allergies.
For life-threatening reactions like anaphylaxis, epinephrine — often given through an EpiPen — is a must. It quickly reverses dangerous symptoms like airway swelling and low blood pressure. This is something we reserve for those serious situations.
Practical steps to reduce exposure
On top of medications, there are some practical steps you can take.
- Stay indoors during high pollen times, especially when it’s dry or windy.
- Use high-quality air filters in your home.
- Clean regularly — vacuum rugs, wash bedding and clothes often.
- Use a dehumidifier to help prevent mold and dust mites from building up.
Need help managing your allergy symptoms so you can breathe a little easier?
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