Every spring, millions of people reach for antihistamines, eye drops, nasal sprays, and decongestants, desperately searching for relief from seasonal allergies. Yet, despite their best efforts, they’re still sneezing, congested, and miserable just days later. If that’s you, you’re not alone.
More than a quarter of U.S. adults (25.7%) and nearly one in five children (18.9%) are diagnosed with seasonal allergies each year. Hay fever alone leads to 4.1 million doctor visits annually. Many try to manage symptoms by staying indoors, running the AC, or using allergy meds – but for most, these efforts fall short.
"You don't have to suffer," says Dr. Glen Porter, an otolaryngologist at Intermountain Health's Utah Valley ENT & Allergy North Valley Clinic. "There are so many great treatment options, and we're excited to help you find those."
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You may think over-the-counter medications are your only option
You started with a decongestant and then moved to daily antihistamines, and now even those don’t seem to work as well as they used to. Many people rely on over-the-counter (OTC) medications, but these treatments only offer short-term relief. They don’t stop allergies from coming back.
If you’ve ever found yourself wondering, "Why am I still dealing with allergies even though I take my meds?" this is why:
- Antihistamines block histamine, the chemical your body releases during an allergic reaction, but they don’t prevent allergies from happening in the first place.
- Nasal sprays reduce swelling in your nasal passages, but the effects wear off.
- Decongestants shrink swollen blood vessels in your nose but using them too often can make congestion worse over time.
Here’s another problem: Many people don’t even know what they’re allergic to
If you’re not sure what’s triggering your symptoms, it’s even harder to find the right treatment. After all, how can you effectively manage allergies if you don’t know what’s causing them?
Dr. Porter explains: "It’s pretty rare for you to really know what tree you’re allergic to because there are so many pollens being released at the same time."
That’s where allergy testing comes in. By pinpointing your specific triggers, Dr. Porter and his team can take the guesswork out of treatment. Sometimes, that means simple lifestyle changes – like avoiding peak pollen times or using air purifiers. Other times, medication is necessary to keep symptoms in check.
But if allergies continue to disrupt your life, immunotherapy could be the long-term solution you need. This treatment helps your body gradually build tolerance to allergens, reducing your symptoms over time or even eliminating them altogether.
For many people, this approach is life-changing. In fact, studies show immunotherapy can reduce allergy symptoms by up to 85% and may prevent new allergies from developing.
Immunotherapy helps your immune system adapt
What if, instead of constantly battling symptoms, you could train your body to stop overreacting to allergens in the first place? That’s exactly what a long-term allergy treatment like immunotherapy does.
Unlike medications that only mask symptoms, immunotherapy addresses the root cause of allergies by gradually retraining your immune system. Over time, it helps your body build tolerance, so allergens no longer trigger such a strong reaction.
There are two main types of immunotherapies:
- Subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) – better known as allergy shots
- Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) – tablets or drops placed under the tongue
Both methods expose your immune system to tiny, controlled amounts of allergens, helping it adjust and respond less aggressively. This approach has been used in medicine for over 100 years.
Dr. Porter explains: “We introduce allergens to your body in a controlled way, telling your immune system, ‘Hey, this is not something you need to be worried about.’ Over time, this desensitizes your immune system so that it doesn't mount a big allergic response when it's exposed to those antigens.”
At Intermountain Health, allergy testing is quick and simple. “We place a small amount of allergen – like maple tree or grass pollen – under the skin of your arm,” says Dr. Porter. “Then we assess your body’s reaction to determine if you’re a good candidate for immunotherapy.”
Left untreated, allergies worsen
If you’ve been putting off allergy tests or long-term treatments, consider this: Climate changes are making pollen seasons longer and pollen counts higher – which means your symptoms may get worse each year. Starting treatment now gives you the best chance for lasting relief.
And allergies aren’t just uncomfortable. Untreated allergies can lead to new allergies or even asthma. Research shows that up to 40% of children with undiagnosed or untreated allergic rhinitis eventually develop asthma.
Find relief beyond temporary fixes.
You don’t have to suffer through another brutal allergy season. The key to lasting relief? Treating the cause, not just the symptoms.
At Intermountain Health, we offer personalized allergy testing, immunotherapy, and expert treatment to help you breathe easier – without relying on endless medications. “We can do an allergy test the same day you visit, discuss treatment options, and start you on the path to lasting relief,” says Dr. Porter.