North Palm Beach Today

• People who have spring allergies might start feeling their symptoms kicking in, as trees have begun to pollinate.
• Symptoms can include sneezing, itchy eyes, coughing, congestion and fatigue.
• People who need to undergo allergy testing or treatment have several options.

Dr. Cody Aull of West Palm Beach Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers said that patients who suffer from allergies have multiple testing and treatment options, depending on what works best for them.

"[Allergy testing and treatment] has improved a lot, and there are great options out there for the patients," Aull told North Palm Beach Today. "Blood tests can tell us that these are the allergies that a patient has. Then we can set up your treatments based on those tests. Now, you can get allergy shots. Those are usually covered by insurance, but every insurance company is different. The one that I think everybody likes, that everybody would want, is what I used with my son for his allergies: sublingual drops. Every day, you put a few drops under your tongue and go about your business."

As the days start to get longer and temperatures begin to rise, many of us start looking forward to the start of spring. Unfortunately, for those who suffer from allergies, this time of year might be difficult. According to Blanchard Valley Health System, spring allergies are caused by pollen created by trees such as birch, sycamore, oak and walnut beginning to pollinate in February or March. This pollen is spread through the air and can come into contact with skin, eyes, noses and mouths, which can trigger an allergic reaction.

Allergies to different types of pollen can vary, so it's important that people suffering from reactions get tested by an allergist in order to develop a tailored treatment for their specific allergy. Allergy treatments may include medications, such as antihistamines and nasal sprays, as well as lifestyle changes like avoiding exposure to allergens or staying indoors when the pollen count is high. If possible, sufferers should shower after coming in from outdoors to rinse away any pollen particles that may have collected on their skin or clothing.

According to Yale Medicine, for the approximately 50 million Americans suffering from seasonal allergies, everyday life can be uncomfortable and exhausting. Symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, congestion, itchy eyes, a runny nose and fatigue can make it difficult to go about daily activities. When trying to identify what triggers these symptoms, allergy testing is often the first step taken by medical professionals.

Over-the-counter medications such as antihistamines, decongestants and saline nasal sprays can provide quick relief from allergy symptoms. Those who find that these medications aren't enough should consider alternative treatments like allergy shots or immunotherapy, which can help build immunity over time and reduce the severity of symptoms.

To learn more about the symptoms of allergies and sinusitis, take this Sinus Self-Assessment Quiz.