june 1 2014151 into just when were finally past the polar vortex were itchy eyetoeye with the pollen vortex a perfect storm of allergens caused by trees lying dormant for longer than usual then spewing their pollen at the same time as grass pollen explodes looking for relief these are the five most useful things we learned at a talk with david mazza md a new yorkbased allergist and immunologist how to get rid of 15 pesky health problems quicklist 1category what you dont know about allergiestitle steroid nasal sprays trump antihistaminesurltext steroid sprays such as flonase and nasacort reduce inflammation making it harder for allergens to reach the receptors in your nasal tissue that trigger reactions use a spray daily nasacort is now available overthecounter flonase is rxonly and save the antihistamine for days when youre really miserable take note decongestant sprays like afrin should not be used daily dr mazza says because they can cause rebound congestion you can check pollen counts in your area and sign up for email alerts so you know when to doubledown on meds quicklist 2category what you dont know about allergiestitle cat dander floatsurltext thats why even when fluffy is locked in an upstairs bedroom you can walk in the front door and immediately start sneezingwheezingtearing up 20 quick and easy ways to get healthier fast quicklist 3category what you dont know about allergiestitle allergy seasons are getting worseurltext its not your imagination you can blame climate change milder fall temps lead to a longer ragweed season in spring pollen and grass seasons overlap more a double whammy if youre sensitive to both substances quicklist 4category what you dont know about allergiestitle your symptoms may change over timeurltext our bodies reaction to seasonal offenders can seem totally bonkers i had a patient come to me with headtotoe hives dr mazza says and she didnt realize it was related to her pollen allergies because shed never had skin symptoms before 27 mistakes healthy people make quicklist 5category what you dont know about allergiestitle pms can exacerbate allergiesurltext higher levels of hormones like estrogen are to blame which is why many of us ladies feel more miserable in the week or so leading up to our periodsand while pregnant during pregnancy one third of women have their allergies worsen says dr massa the bright spot allergies often ease up with menopause this article originally appeared on healthcom