Allergy season begins to bloom across Carolinas

PINEVILLE, N.C. — The winds are warmer, the flowers are flourishing, and the pollen… is fallin’.

“I’m excited for the earned weather and the beautiful flowers, but allergies are a bummer,” says Mackenzie Lober, a Matthews resident.

And that means Dr. Sanjay Khiani’s office is starting to swell up… literally.

“March Madness is here,” Khiani exclaims.

Unfortunately, pollen is poised to make another deep run this season. Dr. Khiani says the best approach to fighting allergens in the air is to be proactive, rather than reactive.

“If you have persistent allergies, now is the time to start those medications,” Khiani remarks, “But you have to do them daily.”

Eyedrops, nasal sprays, and antihistamines are all weapons you can use to keep the mucosal menace at bay, but the best prevention is simply minimizing exposure to begin with.

“Other things patients can do is when they’re outside, wear a cap or some sunglasses,” Khiani advises, “Make sure that when they do come inside, take your shoes off, and then also change your clothes. Take a shower and wash your hair to get that pollen off of you.”

And if allergies overpower your traditional over-the-counter medicines, there’s no shame in seeking professional medical help.

“I just come in every month,” says Nicholas Stahl, a regular patient of Khiani’s.

“There’s help and options available, instead of just taking the Benadryl or pills that only help for just a couple of hours.”

For more helpful tricks & tips on keeping yourself from sneezin’ this season, visit Dr. Khiani’s blog HERE.