How to Stop Sneezing This Season

April 5, 2007 — -- No matter what it looks or feels like outside, spring has sprung, and along with it, come seasonal allergies.

Nearly 36 million Americans want to stop the sneezing that comes from seasonal allergies. On "Good Morning America," ABC News Medical Editor Dr. Tim Johnson shared tips on how to feel better this spring.

First, Johnson explained a condition that comes up constantly this time of year: hay fever.

"It's one form of allergy when your body's immune system overreacts to stimuli, in this case, pollen," he said. "When exposed to pollen, the body reacts with the production of antibodies -- called IGE -- which release histamine and attack the invaders."

Usually, doctors can diagnose hay fever by hearing a patient's complaints. If they have a runny nose or itchy eyes during those seasons of the year when pollen is high, doctors can safely assume the patient has hay fever. If further testing is needed, there are two ways to go -- skin tests or blood tests.

Johnson said that the best way to treat seasonal allergies is to prevent them from flaring up by limiting exposure to pollen. He offered the following tips:

Close the windows of your home, car, office and use the air conditioner. That restricts the main source of pollen in a single measure.

In addition to the traditional antihistamines and eye drops on the market, Johnson suggested exploring alternative medicines to find allergy relief.

"There are also some alternative treatments that many people use, such as omega-3, probiotics, butterbur and stinging nettles. There are also homeopathic remedies that people swear by," he said. "You should talk with your doctor and pharmacist to see if those alternatives are right for you."