For those who don't seem to be allergic to the environment but still have respiratory symptoms, Gould said it could be a food allergy. Gluten and dairy are the most common allergens. He suggested trying to eliminate suspects one at a time for two weeks.
For those who just don't want to take anything plant-based, chemical or otherwise, he and Sanico at GBMC said symptoms can be helped with regular use of neti pots and saline rinses that flush allergens out of noses and sinuses.
The sensation of salt water flowing in one nostril and out the other can take some getting used to. But the products are becoming so mainstream they are sold at drug and big-box stores, and the neti pot has even been spoofed on YouTube by a writer and cartoonist named Drew, who substituted coffee and whiskey.
Allergy professionals do not recommend that.
THE ALLERGENS
Here are the most common allergens, where they come from and some tips for coping:
Pollen : comes from trees, weeds and grass in spring, summer and fall. Keep windows closed and air conditioning on, and shower after spending time outside. Check pollen counts at pollen.com.
Molds : can grow on fallen leaves or anywhere there is moisture. Wash it away with cleaner that is 5 percent bleach. Remove carpeting from damp floors, and don't store clothes or papers in damp areas.
Dust mites : feed on dead skin flakes on pillows, mattresses, upholstery and carpets. Reduce them by encasing pillows and mattresses in zippered covers made for the purpose and not simply hypoallergenic. Keep humidity low. Wash bedding in hot water.
Pets : produce allergens in their saliva, urine and skin dander. Keep them out of the bedroom. Bathing them isn't likely to produce a clinical benefit. Consider that sticky cat allergens remain in an area up to six months after a cat has been removed and that allergens can be found places where there is no cat, such as schools and homes.
Asthma Sinus Allergy Program at Greater Baltimore Medical Center
THE MEDICATIONS
These are the over-the-counter drugs most recommended by pharmacists, according to a survey by the American Pharmacists Association.
Adult antihistamines: : Claritin, 32 percent; Zyrtec, 28 percent; Benadryl, 25 percent.
Adult decongestants: : Sudafed, 66 percent, Sudafed PE, 17 percent, Neo-Synephrine, 4 percent.
Adult multisymptom allergy and hay fever products: : Claritin-D, 35 percent; Zyrtec-D, 26 percent, Actifed Cold & Allergy, 10 percent.
Adult headache products: : Tylenol, 29 percent; Advil, 21 percent; Aleve, 15 percent.
