With the springtime mountain cedars and tree pollens subsiding and the summertime arriving, individuals prone to allergies can finally expect significant relief coming their way.

Dr. David Khan, associate professor of internal medicine at UT Southwestern Medical Center, was of the view that easy-to-implement strategies such as reducing exposure to outdoor venues during peak times, air conditioning, wearing masks, and closing the windows can be used to avoid allergies.

From Sciencedaily.com:

Prescription antihistamines can offer more potency and be less sedating than over-the-counter measures, Dr. Khan said.

Corticosteroid anti-inflammatory nasal sprays can be used regularly, often once a day, and are generally safe and effective. These are not the same as anabolic steroids that athletes sometimes abuse and for which some school systems now test.

Antihistamines, decongestants and corticosteroids, however, do no more than depress symptoms. “Although you’ll be reducing the effect of the allergic reaction, you’ll still be just as allergic at the end of the day,” Dr. Khan said.

Shots are the most effective medical treatment, he said, actually making allergy sufferers less allergic.

Even though the quantity of pollen in the air is not influenced by heat, it can promote the formation of ground-level ozone exacerbating allergy symptoms.