More Effective, Convenient Remedies Now Available For Allergy Sufferers

DENVER (CBS4) - It's the season of sneezing again for about one in five Americans, but this spring allergy sufferers have more effective and convenient remedies.

CBS4 Health Specialist Kathy Walsh talked with an expert at National Jewish Health about how best to get relief. He explained that there are more options and some are easier to try than ever before.

Trees are budding, spring has sprung, and that's a problem for Jill Bartholomew.

"It's been a huge problem, my allergies have gone crazy," she said. "This year has been really bad and it's really early.

"Eyes are itching, nose is going, so yeah, it's the tree pollen," Dr. Rohit Katial with National Jewish Health said.

Katial says to blame the month of March. It was unusually dry and warm, so the trees took off early.

Bartholomew is proof there's plenty of pollen circulating.

"I got really bad sinus pressure and then I also started to get like a sore throat and everything like that, so it was about time to see the doctor," she said.

For milder symptoms there is over-the-counter relief. The American Academy of Otolaryngology recommends trying the less sedating antihistamines and the nasal steroid sprays now available without a prescription.

Also, talk with the doctor about immunotherapy -- allergy shots tailored to a particular patient.

Katial showed Walsh Federal Drug Administration-approved immunotherapy tablets taken under the tongue daily for ragweed or grass.

"If you were only allergic to grass and ragweed, sure it would be a viable option," he said.

Katial warns when taking over-the-counter medications, follow the directions. Also, when trying the treatments and symptoms persist, to see the doctor.