Tree season allergies

It’s spring. Birds are chirping, flowers are blooming, trees are budding and people are sneezing. 

According to Dr. Barry Lampl, founder of Allergy Diagnostics, in Northeast Ohio, we’re just getting started with the first round of allergy triggers—tree season. 

“Many patients are already experiencing significant tree allergy symptoms,” says Dr. Lampl. “These include intense itchy eyes and nose, followed by marked congestion, excessive sneezing, cough and chest tightness. The good news is, there are ways to alleviate symptoms for sufferers of all ages.”

Dr. Lampl says we should expect tree allergy season to last through June, only to usher in the beginning of grass season, which runs through July. 

“Next comes what is often referred to as ‘rose fever,’ or the classic hay fever that will last through the first frost,” says Dr. Lampl. “This trifecta of allergies can be debilitating for some people, most often in children and young adults, affecting their overall well-being.”

Most sufferers treat symptoms with widely available over-the-counter medications, antihistamines, which Dr. Lampl says are typically 40% to 50% effective. 

“Medications can provide temporary relief, but don’t modulate the immune system and symptoms will worsen over time,” says Dr. Lampl. “We conduct a thorough history and physical exam followed by pain-free testing for common allergens to identify your specific allergy triggers and pinpoint the best treatment.”

When medications fail, Dr. Lampl’s therapies can include immunotherapy, where a patient is exposed to small doses of the allergen and over time builds tolerance.

Allergy Diagnostics has locations in Westlake, Parma, Fairlawn, Mentor, Strongsville and Beachwood. Call 440-777-9969 or visit AllergyDiagnostics.com to learn more.