Fight back against your seasonal allergies

The phones are ringing non-stop at the Allergy and Asthma Specialists in Blue Bell.

Doctor Nora Lin says May is especially bad for allergy-sufferers because we have tree pollen season overlapping with grass pollen season.

She said, "This is the season where everyone comes in with their itchy, red, puffy eyes and they're sneezing."

That used to include Morgan Kaye, 22, of Doylestown. A few years ago, she had severe allergies. She even called herself a 'nature hater.' But she decided to seek a solution.

Her allergist started her on sublingual immunotherapy, along with other prescribed medications.

She tells me the difference was like night and day.

"I feel no throat burning. I haven't had any eye itching, my nose hasn't been stuffed or running," she said.

Doctor Lin says for mild allergies, first protect yourself from pollen:

-Keep windows closed in your home and car

-Wear sunglasses

-Limit time outside when it's windy

-And when you come indoors, change your clothes and wash at least your hands, face and hair

As for over-the-counter medication, she suggests a long-acting anti-antihistamine, non-drowsy. And it should be taken every day rather than as needed.

Dr. Lin said, "Because the problem is once your symptoms start, that means the inflammation has already set in and it's harder, you generally require more medication to calm things down."

There are also three newly FDA approved allergy medications out this year.

It's called oral immunotherapy. There are two that treat grass allergies and one for ragweed allergies.

One tablet is placed under the tongue once a day.

Dr. Lin explains, "It builds your body's resistance or it builds up your body's tolerance to the allergen."

But you have to start the therapy three months before the season. For grass, it's too late this year.

But if you have ragweed allergies, now is the time to talk to an allergist. Ragweed season typically hits in late August.