With pollen allergies, the only sure way for a patient to prevent an allergic reaction is to avoid any contact with the pollen allergen to which they are sensitive (avoidance). However, this is not always possible. Since millions upon millions of pollen grains float through the air, they can be found almost everywhere, both outdoors and inside. Samples of ragweed pollen have been detected far out in the ocean and up to 2 miles above the earth.

However, there are some steps people can take to cut down their exposure to pollens, including:

• Use air conditioning, which cleans and dries out air. Also change the filter in the air conditioning unit often.
  
  
• Use air-filtering devices that can be added to heating or cooling systems, such as HEPA filtration.

  

• Limit outdoor activities during high pollen counts, and windy and humid days.
  
  
• Keep home and car windows closed.
  
  
• Wash hands and rinse eyes after going indoors.
  
  
• Shower or bathe before bedtime to wash pollens from hair and skin.
  
  
• Wear eyeglasses or sunglasses when outside.
  
  
• Try to avoid mowing the lawn, weeding or raking leaves, as these stir up pollen spores. If you must engage in these activities, try to wear special allergen-proof masks. Some forms of gardening may be possible for people with pollen allergies. Many types of pollen associated with gardening are of the waxy, heavy type that do not easily travel into the human airway. However, people with pollen allergies should be careful to stick to plants that are not highly allergenic. Apple trees and rose bushes are examples of plants that do not cause problems for most people.
  
  
• Do not hang laundry outside because pollens can collect on fabrics.
  
  
• Keep your pets clean to minimize the amount of pollen particles they bring inside.

The amount of pollen in the air at any given time varies dramatically based on the time of the year, the temperature and the amount of rainfall. A good way to minimize exposure to allergenic pollens is to keep an eye on the latest pollen count and modify behavior accordingly. Individuals with pollen allergies should avoid spending time outdoors and exposing themselves to allergens when the pollen count is high. Pollen levels tend to be highest in the morning, and on sunny or windy days.

Most local weather forecasts during high-pollen seasons will include a report on the levels of pollens in the air on a given day. This summary can be helpful in planning outdoor activities for people with pollen allergies. Reports are also provided through toll-free telephone numbers and on various Web sites on the Internet.

Those who must remain outdoors can protect themselves against high levels of pollen by wearing face masks designed to filter out the allergen before it reaches the nasal cavity. Over-the-counter antihistamines can relieve sneezing, a runny nose and itchy, watery eyes. Meanwhile, nasal decongestants can reduce stuffiness. Patients are advised to consult their physicians before taking any over-the-counter or prescription medications.

Medical or prescription solutions may be necessary for those with more severe pollen-related allergies. A corticosteroid nasal spray is a prescription drug that is designed to clear hay fever symptoms. Patients who use these sprays report few of the side effects associated with corticosteroids taken by mouth or by injection. The spray must be used daily.

Mast cell stabilizers are other medications available as both a nasal spray and in eyedrop form. These drugs decrease the sensitivity of mucus membranes to allergens.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a type of leukotriene modifier for prevention of hay fever symptoms. This drug prevents the chemical substance known as leukotrienes from promoting inflammation. Unlike other medications designed to relieve the symptoms of hay fever, leukotriene modifiers are daily medications taken to prevent the chemical reaction that produces symptoms.

Allergy shots (immunotherapy) may increase an individual’s tolerance to an allergen and prevent the frequency of symptoms. These shots contain a small amount of the allergen and may be given on a regular schedule, such as once or twice a week for several years. Some physicians choose to give the shots less often, and space out the time between shots. If the individual shows no adverse reaction, the amount of allergen is increased with each successive injection. Over time, the body’s immune system learns not to react to the presence of the allergen. However, these injections are not always successful in treating the allergy.

When allergy shots do work for an individual, they are often very effective – particularly when treating pollen allergies. Recent studies have shown that pollen immunotherapy, when used consistently for three to five years, often remains effective for more than five years after discontinuation of the shots.

Researchers continue to explore new treatments for preventing or relieving allergy symptoms. One of the most promising new treatments is a pollen-blocking cream that patients apply to the inside of their nose. A recent study indicates that those using the cream experienced a 20 percent increase in nasal airflow. This cream is not yet available in the United States.

Nasal filters (thin mesh screens worn in each nostril) have shown early success in preventing allergic rhinitis symptoms. This product is currently being evaluated in U.S. clinical trials and may be available sometime in the future. An allergy shot therapy that is targeted to specific types of grass pollen has also shown recent promise and is being further studied. A new ragweed vaccine is also showing promise. It was effective for a year or longer in early trials.