How to Avoid Allergies This Spring, According to a Trinity Health Expert

Senja Tomovic, MD, is an independent, board-certified otolaryngologist (ear, nose and throat specialist), on the medical staff of Trinity Health Livingston and the Trinity Health Medical Center – Brighton. Allergy season is upon us, and Dr. Tomovic is here to discuss the best prevention strategies for seasonal allergies, how they are most effectively treated, and more.

Q: When does allergy season begin in Michigan, and how long does it last?

Dr. Tomovic: We typically begin seeing patients experiencing allergies as early as March and as late as June. This timeframe is when flowers and trees are blooming in the state of Michigan, which leads many people to feel the effects of allergens in the air.

Q: What are some of the common complaints you treat patients for?

Dr. Tomovic: Patients will frequently come into the office with nasal congestion, a runny nose, throat irritation, itchy/watery eyes and itchy ears. These are all indications that allergens in the air are impacting your body.

These symptoms occasionally lead to more serious ailments, like a sinus infection, so be sure to treat symptoms as soon as they begin developing.

Q: What are the most effective ways to combat allergies?

Dr. Tomovic: If you suffer from allergies each year, there are ways to ensure they don’t significantly affect your everyday life. For starters, over-the-counter medications like Allegra, Zyrtec and Claritin can be incredibly helpful. Nasal sprays like Flonase, Nasonex, Nasacort, or similar over-the-counter steroids or antihistamine sprays are also good if you’re dealing with nasal congestion.

If your allergies are more severe, I recommend immunotherapy. This involves receiving a small shot once per week of the exact thing that you are allergic to. As you receive more shots, your body will eventually not recognize the allergen as something to overreact to. This can take a few years to be fully effective, so while it is a long-term investment, the result is well worth it if your allergies are severe every spring.

Q: Are there any non-medical ways people can avoid allergies?

Dr. Tomovic: Limiting time outside can certainly go a long way, but it’s also quite difficult for the common person to do that, especially as the weather gets nicer and we want to do more activities outside.

One way to fight indoor allergies is by purchasing high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters and placing them throughout your home to remove some of the particles in the air. Additionally, there are pillow covers and bed sheets you can buy that are designed to prevent household allergens from getting onto the things you touch when you sleep.

Q: Is there anything else you’d like patients to know?

Dr. Tomovic: Allergies affect everyone differently. At Trinity Health Livingston and Trinity Health Medical Center – Brighton, we can help you no matter how severe your case may be. Treating our patients with the best care possible is what we strive to do. If you or a loved one suffer from seasonal allergies and need medical help, please reach out and schedule an appointment today.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Tomovic, call (800) 851-6672.