Blog
Allergy, News / March 4, 2026
By Brendan Hardy, MD & Sanjeev Balamohan, MD – Board-Certified Otolaryngologist, ENT Center, North Chicago suburbs IL
Spring in the Midwest brings warmer temperatures, blooming trees—and a surge in seasonal allergies. In Niles and surrounding areas, tree pollen levels often rise quickly in late March and April, triggering symptoms like nasal congestion, sinus pressure, itchy eyes, and post-nasal drip.
For older adults managing multiple prescriptions, finding safe and effective allergy relief can feel complicated. Many over-the-counter medications may interact with existing treatments or worsen certain health conditions. Thoughtful evaluation and individualized care are key to staying comfortable throughout allergy season.
Why Spring Allergies Can Be More Challenging with Multiple Medications
Older adults are more likely to take medications for conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, or glaucoma. Some common allergy medications can:
This is why self-treating with random over-the-counter options isn’t always the safest approach.
Common Spring Allergy Symptoms
Midwest tree pollen commonly triggers:
If symptoms last longer than 10 days without improvement—or worsen during peak pollen counts—it may be allergies rather than a cold.
Safe Allergy Relief Options to Discuss with Your ENT
Every patient’s medication list is different. An ENT evaluation helps determine the safest and most effective plan.
Intranasal corticosteroid sprays are often first-line therapy. When used correctly, they work directly in the nose with minimal systemic absorption, making them safer for many patients managing other health conditions.
Saline nasal sprays or rinses can also help clear pollen from nasal passages without medication interactions.
Some newer antihistamines cause less drowsiness than older formulas. However, they may still require caution depending on existing prescriptions and health history.
Your provider can review your medication list to ensure compatibility.
Rather than treating symptoms blindly, skin testing can identify specific triggers—such as tree pollen, grass, or mold.
Once triggers are identified, options may include:
Immunotherapy can reduce the need for ongoing medication and may be particularly helpful for patients trying to minimize additional drug use.
Reducing pollen exposure can significantly decrease symptoms:
Even small environmental changes can reduce the need for medication adjustments.
When to See an ENT This Spring
You should consider scheduling an evaluation if:
An ENT evaluation allows for a comprehensive review of your symptoms, medication list, and health history to create a personalized plan.
The Importance of a Personalized Approach
Managing allergies while balancing multiple prescriptions requires more than a one-size-fits-all solution. The goal is to control symptoms while minimizing:
With proper evaluation, many patients find significant relief without adding unnecessary medications.
Spring Allergy Relief
Tree pollen season in the Chicago suburbs can be intense—but it doesn’t have to disrupt your comfort or daily routine.
If you’re managing multiple medications and struggling with spring allergy symptoms, our ENT team can help you navigate safe, effective options tailored to your health needs.
Schedule your spring allergy evaluation today and breathe easier this season.
Additional Patient Resources:
American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) General information on allergies and sinus care https://www.enthealth.org/
American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI) Educational material on seasonal allergies and treatment options https://acaai.org/allergies/
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Overview of seasonal allergies and symptom management https://www.cdc.gov/allergies/
National Institute on Aging (NIA) Medication safety and managing multiple prescriptions https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/medicines-older-adults
Daily Midwest Pollen Counts (National Allergy Bureau) Track local pollen levels to plan outdoor activity https://pollen.aaaai.org/
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