North Texas is filled with year-round seasonal allergens spawned from the pollen of trees, ragweed, pigweed and other. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America ranked the Dallas area No. 7 on its 2014 “100 Most Challenging Places to live with Allergies” list.

PLN-2014-11-22-m1Allergy Treatments

Local allergists recommend a variety of treatments that can help prevent or relieve most seasonal allergies and their symptoms.

Antihistamines—The human body reacts to pollen by releasing histamines, which cause congestion, itchy eyes and other symptoms. Antihistamines such as Allegra and Claritin or the nasal spray Dymista counter the body’s reactions and are available without a prescription. Eye drops such as Alaway and Zaditor relieve itchy eyes.

Nasal steroids Patients opting for this treatment must begin using nasal steroids before an allergy season and use them daily during the season, along with other medications, such as antihistamines.

Flonase: A prescription corticosteroid with an anti-inflammatory agent.

Nasacort: In April this nasal spray became available without a prescription

Immunotherapy Allergists can treat sufferers with injections or tongue tablets that contain weakened allergen doses. The treatment allows the body to slowly become more tolerant or immune to the presence of allergens. These treatments are prescription-only and are administered by a doctor. Patients may respond to these treatments with allergic reactions, requiring supervision and treatment with an epinephrine autoinjector to prevent shock.

Injections: Patients with 3–5 years of this treatment may have fewer allergies for years.

Oralair, Ragwitek and Grastek:  In April the Food and Drug Administration approved these under-the-tongue tablets that are designed to treat specific forms of seasonal allergies. Treatment is usually started about 12 weeks before the start of the pollen season and continued throughout the season. After the first dose is administrated it can be taken at home.

Local allergy clinics

Allergy & Asthma Centres of the Metroplex

  • 1149 Keller Parkway, Ste. C, Keller
  • 817-741-3131

Mid-Cities Allergy & Asthma Clinic

  • 2305 Central Park Blvd., Bedford
  • 817-571-6622

Texas Ear, Nose & Throat Specialists

  • 615 Hospital Parkway, Ste. 201, Bedford
  • 817 540-3121

Texas Regional Asthma and Allergy Clinic

  • 900 E. Southlake Blvd, Ste. 300, Southlake
  • 817-421-0770