Finding relief as spring allergies rage on

Pollen is worse in some parts of the United States than others. Warming trend may be pushing the start of allergy season earlier in some places. The benefits of allergy shots can last for many years, but aren't permanent.

Over-the-counter products such as oral antihistamines and eye drops are a good first-line approach for people with mild allergies. But if these don't help--and you don't exactly know what's triggering your symptoms--it's best to see an allergist.

The only way to fight allergies at the source is immunotherapy, popularly known as allergy shots. This involves getting shots of tiny amounts of the allergen in escalating doses, usually once a week, until you reach the maintenance phase, when you'll need one shot every month. Although it takes three to four years for the shots to reach their full effect, after which the dose is tapered down and eventually stopped, people often experience relief within a couple of months after beginning allergy shots.

There are several common-sense measures that can help ease the misery of seasonal allergies.

• Use an air conditioner to filter the air. Even just using the fan in an AC unit can help keep pollen out of your house.
• Try to avoid peak pollen times. Avoid outdoor activities in the early morning and late afternoon, which are peak pollen times.
• Take a shower. Washing your hair and bathing before bed can help clean pollen off of your skin and hair, so you won't be carrying pollen to bed with you.
• Wash the sheets and pillowcases weekly. This is a good way to rid your environment of pollen, as well as dust mites, which can also trigger allergy symptoms year round.