HOUSTON – Monday was the perfect day to spend time outdoors: the sun beat through clear, blue skies; temperatures sat in the upper-80s. But oak pollen was extremely high.
Most people allergic to the pollen will pop an allergy pill, but what if that alone does not work?
"Things like Vicks are good for decongestant activity, but we can get hooked on that," said Dr. Eric Sandberg. "So we want to avoid those kind of medicines."
The allergy doctor is already seeing a spike in patients at the Kelsey-Seybold Clinic. He suggests making an appointment with an allergy doctor once over-the-counter remedies no longer work.
"People often talk about honey because it contains some of the local pollen," said Sandberg. "And if you take that local pollen it might help to desensitize you. But the amount of pollen in the honey is so low it's very unlikely to have a therapeutic effect."
Medical experts say hot showers will help clear up congestion. And while rinsing pollen off your car will alleviate the canary yellow dust, it won't alleviate allergies in the long run.
"Nasal saline is a terrific idea. It's very safe. It's under-utilized," said Sandberg, who explained the saline liquid is often used on young children. "I remind our patients that on Valentine's Day, before the peak allergy season hits, start the nasal spray and you will get a good effect."
