R. R. Branstrom A family strolls on the beach at Aronson Island while new growth emerges on a nearby tree. Tree pollen is one of the biggest triggers for seasonal allergies in the Great Lakes region.

ESCANABA — With the onset of spring, many people experience seasonal allergies — also called hay fever or allergic rhinitis — caused by the presence of pollen, mold, and other small particles in the air. The most common symptoms, according to a local healthcare provider, include runny nose or congestion; red, itchy, watery eyes; postnasal drip, which can lead to a sore throat, hoarseness and cough; and occasionally plugged ears from the sinus pressure. Usually these symptoms can be managed.

While each person has a different level of allergy sensitivity and immunity, the general reaction to an allergen is for the body to create an immune response by releasing histamines with the intent of protecting the body from the foreign substance. This can result in inflammation and excessive mucus.

“Most people should be able to safely take over-the-counter medications, specifically things that are not typically poorly tolerated,” said Family Medicine Physician Assistant (PA-C) Ashley Beaudry at Doctor’s Park in Escanaba. “Most people do well with nasal sprays. There’s a variety of those, whether it’s a nasal antihistamine or a nasal steroid spray. Those are usually a safe first place to go.”

For the most part, said Beaudry, antihistamines are safe to take, and some people take them long-term. There are oral antihistamines that come in pill form, like Claritin (loratadine), Allegra (fexofenadine) and Zyrtec (cetirizine), which are also over-the-counter, but the recommendation is to consult a doctor, especially if someone has other conditions or is on other drugs.

“From one standpoint, they’re mostly safe, but… because they can cause some dryness and other side effects that might interfere with either other medicines or chronic conditions, it’s probably safe to take, but always good to run by your provider just to make sure that there’s no overlapping interactions,” Beaudry said.

If there is any doubt as to whether symptoms are due to something besides allergies, a person should see a doctor. Beaudry pointed out that since it’s the upper respiratory system that’s usually affected by allergies, it can be “tricky” to know whether the root of one’s symptoms might be something that presents similarly, like the common cold or a respiratory infection.

While antihistamines — allergy-specific — are safe to take long-term, other treatments are not. The nasal spray Afrin (oxymetazoline), for example, and other decongestants like Sudafed (pseudoephedrine) can cause rebound congestion if used for longer than the recommended period (three days for Afrin, five to seven for Sudafed). The resulting affliction, which often feels like an extra-stuffy nose, can be even more unpleasant than the original issue.

For severe allergic reactions, a doctor may recommend care from a specialist. Allergists perform tests to determine causes and in some cases perform allergen immunotherapy to reduce a person’s sensitivity.