This year’s mild winter has sparked a premature surge in pollen levels, triggering an early onset of the spring allergy season. While allergies can be uncomfortable for all sufferers, they present serious challenges for anyone who makes their living behind the wheel.

The Physical Toll of Allergies

An allergy is an immune response or reaction to substances that are normally harmless, such as mold spores or pollens from trees, grasses and weeds. Allergy sufferers may experience a variety of symptoms, ranging from sneezing and nasal congestion to itchy and/or watery eyes, headaches and fatigue.

For professional drivers with allergies, these symptoms can hinder their ability to focus on the task of driving, impair vision and diminish alertness and responsiveness. Coping with allergy symptoms while driving can also elevate stress levels, further diverting the driver's attention.

A Prescription for Trouble

When you’re struggling to breathe and experiencing relentless tearing of the eyes, it's common to turn to allergy medications for relief. However, both prescribed and over-the-counter remedies, as well as herbal supplements, can result in side effects that compromise driving performance, increasing the likelihood of accidents. These side effects may include drowsiness, blurred vision, dizziness, insomnia, and cognitive impairment. In fact, studies have shown that the sedating effects of certain antihistamines—the go-to remedy for many allergy sufferers—can be comparable to those of alcohol consumption.

It's essential to bear in mind that Section 392.4(a)(4) of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations prohibits on-duty drivers from using substances that could impair their ability to safely operate a motor vehicle. This regulation underscores the importance of carefully considering the effects of any allergy medications before driving, as impairment from such substances can pose serious risks to both the driver and others on the road.

Reducing the Discomfort of Allergies

So, what can commercial vehicle drivers do to reduce the discomfort of allergies, yet stay safe and effective behind the wheel? Here are some strategies to help you get through this allergy season breathing a little easier:

• Prioritize prevention. Before hitting the road, check pollen counts using allergy tracking apps or websites, and plan routes and travel times to minimize exposure, whenever possible. Try to avoid outdoor activity when pollen counts are high.

• Maintain cleanliness. Keep your vehicle interior and exterior clean to minimize allergens. Replace carpeted floor mats with rubber ones as allergy-triggering substances can easily be hosed off.

• Keep windows closed. Use air conditioning on recirculate mode to minimize external airflow. Consider HEPA filters to help improve air quality, and follow regular maintenance schedules.

• Clean off outdoor pollen residues. Shower before bed to remove allergens from skin and hair and avoid transferring them to your sheets, and put on fresh clothes.

• Consult with healthcare professionals before taking over-the-counter remedies. Non-sedating antihistamines may be a safer option for some individuals, but be aware of potential side effects and consider underlying medical conditions. Additionally, refrain from driving while using any medication until you have fully assessed its effects on your body throughout its duration in your system.

• Explore non-pharmaceutical solutions. Ease sinus pressure by alternating hot and cold packs, and utilize a saline nasal spray or irrigation system to clear nasal passages. Help shield your eyes from pollen outdoors with sunglasses. Enhance sleep quality by propping up with an additional pillow.

• Adopt healthy lifestyle habits. Eat a balanced diet, stay hydrated, exercise regularly, and practice good sleep hygiene to boost immunity and reduce the severity of allergic reactions.

• Talk to an allergist. A board-certified allergist can detect your specific allergens and identify safe, non-drowsy treatments to help relieve your symptoms.

The spring allergy season is one of the worst times of the year for allergy sufferers, but for commercial vehicle drivers with sensitivities, it can pose significant risks. Therefore, it’s imperative for professional drivers to manage allergies with care and vigilance. Understanding the potential side effects of medications, seeking guidance from healthcare professionals, and employing strategies to mitigate risks are all essential steps in safeguarding both personal health and road safety.