Here in Texas, many of us suffer from seasonal allergies to a variety of grasses, weeds, trees, and other plants as well as a host of other triggers. Texas is one of the worst states for allergies, so if you’ve moved to Texas from other parts of the country, you may find yourself developing allergies even if you’ve never had them before. Some have said, “If it doesn’t grow here, it blows here!” Many doctors believe that allergens are so prevalent because we rarely experience a harsh winter with freezing temperatures. The Texas climate allows trees to pollinate year-round. Indoor allergens such as dust, pet dander, and mold, can also cause allergy symptoms.
What causes allergies?
Allergy symptoms can be annoying at the very least, and at times downright miserable. While in most cases you cannot get rid of allergies altogether (apart from moving or other extreme measures), there are several over-the-counter medications that are available to reduce the severity of your symptoms. Consider purchasing an antihistamine at your local pharmacy which blocks the release of histamine that causes inflammation and many common symptoms. You can find an antihistamine in the form of a pill or nasal spray. A saline nasal irrigation will clean out your sinuses and does not have addictive qualities like a nasal decongestant. These over-the-counter meds can frequently provide a great deal of relief.
Should I consider steroid shots?
Allergy symptoms are the result of your body trying to help you deal with the substance that it reacts to so strongly. The itchy eyes, sneezing, and other common symptoms are signs your body is trying to get rid of whatever is triggering the response. “A steroid shot is an aggressive remedy used to calm that response,” explains Purvi Parikh, MD, allergy and immunology clinical assistant professor at NYU Langone Health. She goes on to warn that even though they’re very effective, they should only be given “when all else fails.” Steroid shots affect other areas of the body – not just your nose – and may cause significant side effects.
Short-term side effects include increased appetite, insomnia, changes in mood or behavior, flushed face, and short-term weight gain. Any or all of these may occur almost immediately after receiving the shot.