Allergies can seriously impair quality of life, but with proper information and the right approach, it is possible both to relieve symptoms and to prevent complications. Below are key points that allergologists (allergists) want their patients to clearly understand.
1. “Every year is the worst allergy season” — not entirely true
Each season may be presented as “the worst ever,” and this is not only due to PR or marketing.
As a result of climate change:
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allergenic plants grow larger,
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produce more pollen,
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pollen seasons start earlier and last longer.
So overall, the background situation truly worsens over time.
2. Do not diagnose yourself with “year-round allergies”
About two-thirds of people with allergy symptoms assume on their own that the cause is:
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dust mites,
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mold spores,
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pets,
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or pollen.
However, tests often reveal a completely different allergen.
In addition, many people experience delayed allergic reactions. For example:
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during the day you mow grass and only sneeze slightly,
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5–6 hours later, when going to bed, severe coughing, wheezing, and nasal congestion begin.
Therefore: no self-diagnosis — testing and a specialist are essential.
3. Some decongestants are simply a waste of money
Most over-the-counter decongestants that do not contain pseudoephedrine have minimal effect.
Patients often complain only of side effects such as irritability, palpitations, and insomnia.
In terms of effectiveness, it is more reasonable to use:
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pseudoephedrine-containing medications dispensed with ID at pharmacies,
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medications selected based on a doctor’s recommendation.
4. Antihistamines alone are often not enough — nasal steroids are usually stronger
Antihistamine tablets are the most commonly used allergy medications, but for:
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chronic runny nose, nasal congestion, and sneezing,
steroid nasal sprays provide a longer-lasting and stronger effect.
Many people say, “I took a pill and it didn’t help,” and delay seeing a doctor.
In reality, combined therapy (nasal spray + antihistamine) is often far more effective.
5. Read labels carefully — not every medication is right for you
Before purchasing medication:
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read the ingredients,
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remember that antihistamines marked with “D” contain a decongestant,
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if you have hypertension, heart disease, or arrhythmia, decongestants may raise blood pressure.
If in doubt, consult a doctor.
6. Allergy shots (immunotherapy) can be life-changing — but not for everyone
Allergy immunotherapy is very useful in cases of:
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severe symptoms lasting multiple seasons or all year,
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insufficient symptom control with medication.
In the long term, it can:
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significantly reduce symptoms,
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minimize the need for medications.
However:
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for someone with mild allergies only in spring or fall,
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a multi-year injection regimen may not be necessary.
The main drawback is time commitment:
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weekly injections during the initial months,
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a 30-minute observation period after each injection.
7. Do not delay treatment
If you know you have a strong pollen allergy:
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starting medication (nasal sprays, antihistamines, etc.) before symptoms begin is much more effective.
Once the body starts releasing histamine and inflammatory mediators, control becomes more difficult.
8. Excess weight worsens allergies and asthma
Excess weight:
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increases acid reflux, which can irritate airways,
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puts mechanical pressure on the diaphragm and lungs,
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worsens asthma and lower respiratory symptoms.
When patients lose weight, many notice reduced:
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shortness of breath,
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wheezing,
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nighttime breathing difficulties.
9. Pet allergies: not “get rid of the pet,” but rules matter
When a patient honestly says, “I’m allergic to my cat/dog,” doctors know the situation is serious — many people deny it.
Allergists recommend:
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not allowing pets into the bedroom,
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using a HEPA air purifier at home,
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frequent bathing and grooming of the animal.
Remember: allergy sensitivity can increase over time.
10. Protective bedding for dust-mite allergies
If you are allergic to dust mites:
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use special anti-dust-mite pillow and mattress covers,
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the package should specify fabric pore size (microns).
Good options are:
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no more than 4–5 microns,
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ideally 2 microns or less.
If no numbers are provided, that should raise concern.
11. Neti pots may look strange — but they work
Nasal irrigation with saline solution:
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mechanically removes pollen, dust, and allergens,
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reduces swelling of the nasal lining,
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may decrease medication needs.
Important: use only sterile or boiled and cooled water.
12. Childhood “bronchitis” may actually have been asthma
Many adults:
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had recurrent “bronchitis” in childhood,
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now experience chronic cough, wheezing, and shortness of breath.
In many cases, this was actually childhood asthma that went undiagnosed.
Ongoing respiratory symptoms in adulthood should not be ignored.
13. “Hypoallergenic dogs” are a myth
Even dogs that do not shed or are marketed as “hypoallergenic” do not eliminate allergy risk.
The main allergens come from:
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saliva,
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urine,
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skin flakes (dander),
not from fur itself.
14. Suffering through allergy season is not mandatory
Allergic rhinitis is not life-threatening, but it:
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significantly reduces quality of life,
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can lead to chronic sinusitis or ear infections,
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causes sleep problems, fatigue, and poor concentration.
Instead of “just enduring it,” discuss treatment options with an allergist.
15. Moving cities or countries is not always a solution
Even if one area has less pollen:
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new plants,
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new allergens,
may trigger sensitivity.
Moving from Georgia to Arizona rarely eliminates allergies entirely — the allergy profile usually just changes.
16. Your pillow may be an “allergen bank”
During 6–8 hours of sleep:
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your face and airways are very close to your pillow.
If your pillow:
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hasn’t been replaced for years,
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isn’t regularly washed and dried in hot water,
dust-mite exposure may be very high.
Recommendations:
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wash pillowcases and sheets weekly in hot water,
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periodically wash and replace pillows themselves.
17. Sublingual drops are an alternative to injections
In recent years:
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sublingual immunotherapy (drops under the tongue),
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with effects similar to injections,
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has become widespread for home use.
Advantages:
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no needles,
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fewer clinic visits,
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lower risk of severe systemic allergic reactions.
Important: prescription drops are customized to your allergy profile, unlike generic over-the-counter products.
18. Skin and blood tests are important — but not always final
Tests:
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are very helpful in identifying allergens,
but:
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conditions like local allergic rhinitis may not appear in tests,
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detailed medical history can be just as important.
In some cases, doctors may prescribe immunotherapy even if tests are negative, based on classic symptoms.
19. Synthetic pillows are not always better
Many people avoid feather pillows due to fear of allergy, but studies show:
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asthma and allergy issues may sometimes be worse with synthetic pillows.
Reason:
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feather pillow covers are woven more tightly,
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synthetic covers are often looser and allow dust mites to penetrate.
20. Flowers are not the main culprit — trees and grasses are
Large flowers like tulips and roses are often blamed.
In reality:
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allergies are usually caused by invisible pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds,
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decorative flowers produce heavier pollen that does not spread easily.
21. Switch contact lenses to glasses during allergy season
Contact lenses:
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trap pollen on the eye surface like a magnet,
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worsen itching, redness, and tearing.
When pollen levels are high:
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temporarily wear glasses,
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use artificial tears regularly.
22. Morning hours are peak pollen time
When planning outdoor activities:
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pollen levels are highest in the early morning,
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midday or evening is preferable.
Check daily pollen indexes in weather forecasts.
23. Do not bring allergens into your home
Pollen and dust easily stick to:
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clothes,
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hair,
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skin,
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bedding.
Recommendations:
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shower when you get home in the evening,
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change and wash daytime clothes,
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avoid entering the bedroom in outdoor clothes.
Nasal saline rinses can also help.
24. Herbal remedies can also cause allergies
Natural does not mean safe.
For example:
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echinacea, used to “boost immunity,”
is related to ragweed and may worsen symptoms in people allergic to ragweed pollen.
Always discuss herbal products with your doctor.
25. Seasonal allergies can cause oral allergy syndrome
Some patients with hay fever experience:
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itching in the mouth or throat,
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tongue swelling,
when eating raw apples, pears, cherries, carrots, celery, and similar foods.
Usually:
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cooked versions are tolerated.
This is called oral allergy syndrome and is caused by cross-reactivity with pollen.
26. “A spoonful of honey cures allergies” — a myth
Local honey is often promoted as a “natural allergy vaccine.”
However:
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there is no scientific evidence it treats pollen allergies,
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it may even cause allergic reactions in some people.
Honey should not be considered a primary allergy treatment.
27. True “tolerance” to allergy medications is rare
Many patients believe:
“If I take this medication for a long time, it will stop working.”
In reality:
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true physiological tolerance to antihistamines and nasal sprays is rare,
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worsening symptoms are usually due to stronger seasons or inadequate dosing.
Rather than frequently switching medications, review treatment strategy with your doctor.
28. “Cleaning up” your diet supports immunity
Integrative medicine specialists recommend reducing:
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highly processed foods,
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artificial colors and preservatives,
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trans fats.
Increasing:
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whole grains,
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high-quality protein,
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nuts and seeds,
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plenty of fruits and vegetables,
helps balance the immune system and reduce inflammation.
29. A HEPA-filter vacuum is a valuable investment
Carpets and upholstered furniture are ideal reservoirs for:
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dust mites,
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pet dander,
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pollen.
Regular vacuums may partially remove these but blow them back into the air.
Solution:
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use a vacuum with a HEPA filter or special allergy bags.
30. Allergy medications are often designed for daily preventive use
Instead of taking medication only “when you sneeze”:
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daily use throughout the season provides better control.
Many modern antihistamines and nasal sprays:
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are taken once daily,
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are non-sedating,
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are available over the counter.
To find the safest and most effective combination:
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try options together with your doctor,
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read labels carefully to avoid duplicating the same active ingredient.
Disclaimer:
This article is for informational purposes only and is intended to help prepare for a discussion with an allergist — not for self-treatment.
If you have persistent nasal congestion, cough, wheezing, itchy eyes, or skin rashes, consult a doctor.