Surviving Spring Allergies in Atlanta

The trees are blooming, the birds are singing, and…you're sneezing. Spring in Atlanta may be beautiful, but for many of us, living in the "city in the forest" comes with a serious downside: tree pollen. If you have a chronic condition like asthma or COPD, that pollen can trigger widespread inflammation and make everyday life miserable. And while we can't make the pollen disappear, there's plenty you can do to feel better.

1. Watch the pollen count. Anything over 1,500 is considered extremely high — but Atlanta has a way of blowing past that number. Last March, our city set a new record with a staggering count of 14,801, nearly ten times the threshold. On high-pollen days, try to limit your time outdoors, keep your windows closed, and run the air conditioning. If you do go outside, shower and change clothes when you come back in to avoid spreading pollen through your home. Your local TV stations post daily pollen counts, or you can search for them online.

2. Start allergy medications early. Don't wait until you're already miserable to reach for relief. Over-the-counter antihistamines and nasal sprays work best when you start taking them before your symptoms hit. They won't eliminate your reaction entirely, but they can take the edge off considerably. One important note: If you take blood pressure medication or immunosuppressants, check with your pharmacist or doctor before adding antihistamines or decongestants, as some combinations can cause problems.

3. Manage your asthma proactively. If you have asthma, spring is the time to be extra vigilant. Follow your asthma action plan and remember that the green, yellow, and red zones exist for a reason. Don't wait until you're in the danger zone to act. Keep your rescue inhaler with you, refill your controller medications before they run out, and call your doctor at the first sign that your symptoms are changing. A little planning now can prevent a serious flare-up later.

4. Keep the outdoors outside. Pollen has a sneaky way of getting indoors. Leave shoes at the door, wash your hair before bed (pollen loves to cling to hair), and change into fresh clothes after spending time outside. If you have pets that go outdoors, wipe them down before they come back in. Running a HEPA air purifier in your bedroom can also make a real difference while you sleep.

5. Know when to see a doctor. If over-the-counter options aren't cutting it, it may be time to talk to an allergist. Prescription treatments, including allergy shots, can provide longer-term relief for people with severe seasonal allergies. You don't have to suffer your way through every spring. A provider can help you build a plan that actually works for your specific triggers and health history.

Spring in Atlanta is beautiful, but it doesn't have to be something you just survive.

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Ngozika Orjioke, MD, FCCP, is a board-certified physician in Pulmonary and Critical Care in metro Atlanta. With more than 30 years of experience, she is devoted to helping her patients in the treatment of lung-related illnesses, such as asthma, COPD, sleep apnea, tobacco use disorder, HIV-related lung disease and more. She is committed to improving the health of her community, and provides exceptional and culturally sensitive care to every patient. She appears on the American Lung Association’s list of Trusted Organizations in the Black Community, and is ranked in the top 25 by U.S. News among 358 pulmonologists in Atlanta. Dr. Orjioke is affiliated with Southern Regional Medical Center.