Debunking Common Myths About Seasonal Allergies*
Every spring, as pollen blankets cars and sidewalks, so does a flood of advice about seasonal allergies—some of it misleading. Fortunately, Dr. Edwin Kim, a leading expert in allergies and immunology at the UNC School of Medicine and director of the UNC Food Allergy Initiative, has set the record straight.
Myth: Nasal sprays work best for immediate relief, while antihistamine tablets are for everyday use.
False.
Dr. Kim recommends the opposite approach. “When you’re congested, your nose is runny, and your sinuses hurt, reaching for a nasal spray seems logical,” he explains. “But nasal sprays work very slowly. They are your best long-term defense against allergies, but for fast relief, antihistamine tablets are the way to go—they usually start working within an hour.”
For the best results, use nasal sprays consistently to prevent symptoms, and rely on antihistamines for quick relief when needed.
Myth: That thick, yellow pollen is the main cause of allergy symptoms.
False.
While the visible yellow pollen coating everything in sight comes from pine trees, Dr. Kim clarifies that it’s not the primary culprit for seasonal allergies. “Pine pollen is large, so it doesn’t get deep into the nose, sinuses, and lungs to cause major reactions.”
The real troublemakers—oak, hickory, and birch—produce pollen that is invisible to the naked eye but much more likely to trigger allergies.
Myth: Trees and flowers are to blame for our suffering.
False.
The real issue isn’t the plants—it’s our immune system. “Our immune system is meant to fight infections, but in some people, genetics and environmental factors cause an overreaction to harmless substances like pollen,” Dr. Kim explains. “The body treats it like a virus, releasing histamine, which leads to itching, watery eyes, congestion, and other allergy symptoms.”
Myth: Allergies are just something you have to live with—there’s no cure.
False.
Allergy shots, also known as allergen immunotherapy, can help retrain the immune system over time to reduce seasonal allergies. After identifying a patient’s specific allergies through testing, doctors administer small amounts of allergens via injections. Patients start with weekly shots for several months, gradually increasing the dose. Once a maintenance dose is reached, monthly shots continue for three to five years.
“It’s a form of exposure therapy,” says Dr. Kim. “Over time, this teaches the immune system not to react to pollen, which can significantly reduce or even eliminate allergy symptoms.”
Fact: Allergy season in North Carolina is getting longer.
True.
“Pollen seasons have been increasing over the past 20 to 30 years,” Dr. Kim notes. “By early February, we already see significant pollen levels. Then, fall weed and ragweed season lasts through November and December, leaving just a few weeks with minimal outdoor pollen.”
Tips for Managing Seasonal Allergies:
- Check your weather app and stay indoors on high-pollen days.
- Avoid outdoor activities in the early morning when pollen levels peak.
- Wear a mask—cloth masks that didn’t block COVID-19 are effective at filtering pollen.
- Keep windows closed in your home and car.
- Shower at night to remove pollen before bed.
Acupuncture for Allergies
As an alternative to allergy shots, many people find relief from acupuncture. The key is to boost what Chinese medicine calls your defensive Qi, known as Wei Qi. This is the energy that protects your body from external pathogenic attack. Strong Wei Qi protects you from all types of pathogens, ranging from pollens and dust, to cold viruses and mold. Specific acupuncture points boost the Wei Qi in our bodies, helping to prevent these pathogens from entering our bodies.
There are also Chinese herbs that work in conjunction with acupuncture to boost Wei Qi prior to the onset of seasonal allergies. Feel free to ask us about our treatment. You can also CLICK HERE for more information about our allergy treatment.
About Raleigh Acupuncture
At Raleigh Acupuncture Associates, we are deeply committed to providing the highest quality professional acupuncture while being rooted in strong Judeo-Christian values of love, faith, kindness, and truth. We guide our practice with compassionate care, where each patient is treated with respect and dignity, regardless of their background, faith, or beliefs. We welcome people from all walks of life and strive to create a warm, inclusive environment promoting healing and holistic wellness. Our dedication to delivering exceptional acupuncture is paired with a genuine love for helping others, making our clinic a place where faith and professional medical care come together for the well-being of every patient.
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*This post on seasonal allergies was adapted from an excellent article written by Dr. Edwin Kim from UNC Chapel Hill. (Click Here for Article)
What our Clients are Saying
My allergies got very bad ever since I moved to Raleigh. I don’t like how the medicines make me feel. So I tried acupuncture. The effect was excellent. My allergies got 90% better. I also like the Chinese pills. I take them with me when I travel. They’re not kidding about relaxing treatments. I fall asleep every time I got a session.
My wife made me try acupuncture because she was sick and tired of me complaining about my allergies every summer. Pine pollen made my nose run like a faucet. The pills from the doctor didn’t work so I figured it was worth a try. What a difference the acupuncture made. If you are allergic to pine pollen you’ve got to try this stuff. My staff at Raleigh Acupuncture even put up with my sense of humor. You can’t beat that.
Acupuncture really helped my seasonal allergies. I’m grateful to Raleigh Acupuncture for helping me. Every year from spring through the fall I had terrible allergies. Now after their treatment I hardly have them at all. Thank you!
