Daniel DiGiacamo, a pediatric allergist and immunologist at Hackensack Meridian Health in New Jersey, said allergy symptoms can have serious impacts on young patients.
“I see predominantly kids, and there is good data to show that uncontrolled seasonal allergies or allergic rhinitis can have impacts on sleep, and also impacts on school and productivity and school achievement,” DiGiacamo said.
DiGiacamo and Tummala recommend patients start their medications before they become symptomatic, which could be earlier in the year than in years past.
“With more pollen in the atmosphere, patients also may need to adjust the medications that they’re on,” Tummala said. “The medications that worked for them 15, 20 years ago may not be the same medications that are working for them now.”
The physicians say allergy sufferers can also find relief by keeping their windows closed during allergy season, using an air purifier and changing their clothes and washing their hair after spending time outdoors.