Spring heralds warmer, longer days for outdoor activities. Trees and flowers blossom around us and grass turns a lush green. What’s not to love about this lovely season? Unfortunately for many people, spring makes them feel downright miserable.

That’s because spring can bring itchy eyes, sneezing, and congestion from allergic reactions to pollen. In fact, the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) says more than 40 million Americans sneeze and wheeze because of seasonal allergies.

Does it seem like every spring you hear someone on the news declare this is the “worst ever” season for allergy symptoms? According to the ACAAI, there could be some truth to that statement. A recent study published in the Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology found that pollen counts are slowly but steadily rising each year and are expected to double by 2040, possibly due to climate changes.

Tree pollens are typically heaviest in spring and, as summer arrives, grass and weed pollens increase. By late summer and fall, allergies are often due to ragweed or other weed pollens. Of course, some areas of the country have higher pollen counts than other places. When it comes to springtime allergies, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) reports that some of the US towns with extra high pollen counts include Lexington, Kentucky; Greensboro, North Carolina; Johnson City, Tennessee; Augusta, Georgia; and Jackson, Mississippi.

But no matter where you live, if pollen in your vicinity causes you to have symptoms -- which can range from a stuffy nose to asthma attacks -- you have springtime allergies.

”Relief might seem impossible as pollen counts soar, but by knowing what triggers symptoms and how to avoid these allergens, sufferers can lead healthy, active lifestyles with minimal side effects,” says allergist Richard Weber, MD, ACAAI president.

Understanding spring allergies – and how to cope

Allergens are any substances that stimulate an allergic reaction. They trigger the immune system to over react and release chemical called histamine which produces those all-too-familiar allergy symptoms. When the allergen is something you breathe in from the air -- like pollen -- your symptoms will most likely be sneezing, congestion and a runny nose (a condition known by the medical term allergic rhinitis). That’s because histamine dilates the small blood vessels of the nose, resulting in fluids leaking out into other tissues and causing runny noses, watery eyes, itching, swelling and other allergy symptoms.

Fortunately, there are a host of self-help strategies that can reduce your exposure to pollen and help you sail through the season with less sneezing, sniffling and coughing. And, when needed, your family doctor and/or an allergist can help you work out a treatment plan so you can enjoy spring instead of dreading it.

Do-it-yourself tips for spring allergy relief:

Pay attention to weather reports and pollen counts. Allergists advise staying indoors when pollen counts are highest. It’s especially important to exercise indoors on very high-pollen days. Be aware that counts are usually the lowest just after sunrise and are usually highest at midday and throughout the afternoon and begin to decrease after sunset. Listen to local weather reports for pollen counts in your area. Pollen levels can fluctuate dramatically depending on the weather. For example, April showers can promote plant and pollen growth and a breezy, dry day can stir pollen into the air, increasing exposure – and symptoms. Pollen.com offers free, nation-wide reports of pollen counts daily on-line (http://www.pollen.com/allergy-weather-forecast.asp).

Keep your indoor air as clean as possible. Use air conditioning to lower the amount of pollen that gets inside your house. Remember to clean or replace air conditioner filters frequently to get the best efficiency. Avoid window fans which draw in unwanted pollens. At home or in your car, keep windows closed whenever possible and set the air conditioner on “re-circulate” to keep pollen out. Portable air filtering units may help some people. For example, a HEPA (for " high-efficiency particulate air”) air filter captures at least 99.97% percent of all particles 0.3 microns in diameter, or larger, that enter it, including pollen. However, the AAFA states that research studies disagree on whether or not filters give much added allergy relief in a clean and well-ventilated home or office.

Forget drying laundry outdoors. They may smell fresh, but air dried sheets, towels and clothes will also be coated with pollen. Use your clothes dryer exclusively during allergy season.

Clean frequently. Dusting, sweeping and vacuuming regularly – including cleaning blinds and curtains – can help reduce pollen in the home. However, if you are highly allergic, wear a pollen mask (such as a NIOSH rated 95 filter mask, available at many hardware stores) while you clean to lessen reactions to pollen and dust as you work.

Tackle yard work sensibly. Stick to early in the morning or near sunrise when pollen counts are lowest to do any gardening. Wearing a pollen or dust mask can reduce pollen exposure while working outside. Also helpful: wear sunglasses and gloves and avoid touching your eyes and face. If you are highly allergic, ask a family member or hire someone to cut your grass and do the yard work.

Avoid bringing pollen into your home. Put clothes you’ve worn outside into the washing machine as soon as possible, take a shower and change clothing after working or playing outdoors.

Don’t sleep with pollen. Shower or bathe before you hit the sack and wash your hair frequently during pollen season – especially after you’ve been outdoors for any length of time – to avoid getting pollen on your sheets and pillows. Non-prescription therapy for allergies. For mild pollen allergies, over-the-counter (OTC) nasal saline sprays and rinses can help clear stuffy noses and eye drops can soothe eye irritation. OTC antihistamines such as Benadryl (diphenhydramine), Claritin (Loratadine) and Allegra (fexofenadine) can provide relief from stuffiness and runny noses. However, it’s a good idea to talk to your family doctor or pharmacist to make sure the OTC products are safe for you, especially if you take any other medication. Also, be aware that some OTC medications, notably Benadryl, can make you sleepy and should be avoided if you need to drive or operate machinery.

When to seek medical help

When avoidance measures don't control allergy symptoms, it’s time to see your doctor or to consult an allergist. Some allergies may interfere with day-to-day activities or lessen the quality of life by causing sleep disturbances and fatigue. Pollen allergies can also trigger asthma attacks – another important reason to talk to your doctor about a treatment plan. If you have suffered from springtime allergies before and have already seen a doctor, make sure you stick to your schedule of prescribed medications.

Although there isn’t a cure for spring allergies, there is something close that can help reduce symptoms dramatically when medication isn’t enough – Immunotherapy, also known as allergy shots. An allergist uses skin testing, in which small amounts of suspected allergens are introduced into the skin, to pinpoint which allergens are causing your symptoms. Results are available quickly and immunotherapy can be started to actually prevent the progression of your allergies. Studies show allergy shots provide long-term relief in 85% or more of properly selected allergy sufferers, according to the ACAAI.

If you suspect you have seasonal allergies, you can locate a free allergy and asthma screening location in your area by visiting www.acaai.org/nasp.

Sherry Baker is a writer from Atlanta, Georgia. She last published the article How to Lower Blood Pressure - Naturally for Synergy.