COLUMBIA, Mo. — Allergists at University of Missouri Health Care are warning allergy sufferers to prepare for a miserable spring allergy season.

The heavy snowfall that blanketed mid-Missouri this winter may be a distant memory, but the effects of the wet winter will be felt by allergy sufferers long into the spring season.

“We expect a tremendous mold and pollen bloom this spring,” said Al Barrier, M.D., an allergy specialist at University of Missouri Health ENT and Allergy Center of Missouri. “Tree pollens are dependent on moisture getting to the tree’s roots. The snowfall this winter has provided an abundance of moisture in the soil for trees to tap into.”

Tree pollens and molds, two of the most common triggers of seasonal allergy problems, begin to impact allergy sufferers in March and continue into May. Common symptoms include sneezing, coughing, itchy eyes and congestion.

While the possibility of a miserable allergy season may discourage allergy sufferers, allergists at MU Health Care say a relatively new form of therapy called allergy drops is bringing relief to patients.

Allergy drops are a self-administered liquid medication placed under the tongue once a day to relieve common allergy symptoms such as a runny nose and sneezing. The liquid is formulated with small amounts of allergen extracts unique to each patient’s allergic profile.

Unlike traditional allergy shots, which require patients to receive weekly injections at their allergist’s clinic, allergy drops require no needles and can be taken at home.

“Allergy drops are a safe and equally effective alternative to traditional allergy shots,” said Barrier. “Allergy drops are becoming a popular treatment option for many of our patients. They enjoy the convenience of taking the drops at home.”

Barrier said there are rarely side effects to allergy drops. He prescribes them for patients of all ages. He said allergy drops are a popular treatment option for children, who often feel anxiety around needles.

Allergy specialists at the ENT and Allergy Center of Missouri always give patients a choice whether they want to receive allergy shot treatments or drops.

“Allergies are a way of life, but with the right treatment we can greatly improve a patient’s quality of life,” said Barrier.

For more information about allergy drops or treatments, please call the ENT and Allergy Center of Missouri at (573) 817-3000.

Video Files

Al Barrier, M.D., an allergy specialist MU Health Care's ENT and Allergy Center of Missouri, describes how allergy drops are bringing relief to patients. http://www.youtube.com/MUHealthCare#p/a/u/0/XRoFHne9xeI