When spring rolls around, the weather warms and trees and flowers bloom.
Unfortunately, this also means that many of us have to deal with the onset of seasonal allergies.
Here are some tips to make things a little easier for allergy sufferers.
What causes allergies?Allergic rhinitis (inflammation in the nose) is sometimes called “hay fever”. (Although ‘hay fever’ although fever is not a symptom of the disease, nor is it due to hay.)
Allergy symptoms can happen when anything your body sees as “foreign” comes in contact with you. It can happen seasonally when you are exposed to triggers such as tree pollen or ragweed, or it may be perennial (year round), when exposed to triggers like pet dander, dust or mold.
What are the signs and symptoms of allergies? Allergy symptoms include: Itchy eyes and nose; more tears than normal; postnasal drip;
runny nose, clear (like water); scratchy throat or cough; sneezing and stuffy nose.
How are allergies treated? Medications such as antihistamines (i.e. Benadryl, Claritin, Allegra, Zyrtec, etc.) may be prescribed and will help stop the itchy eyes and runny nose.
If you have asthma, this drug may cause worsening asthma symptoms -- use only under the advice of primary care provider.
Steroidal nasal sprays (i.e. Nasonex, Flonase or Rhinocort) can help with inflammation.
Eye drops (i.e. Patanol or Optivar) or over-the-counter Naphcon drops can help with symptoms of itchy eyes.
Decongestants like pseudoephedrine (i.e. Sudafed)) may be prescribed for you, depending on your symptoms. (Never take any medication without consulting your doctor.)
Is there anything I can do to lessen the impact of my allergies?Change clothes after being outside or around something that makes you sneeze (flowers, animals, dust, hay, grass.)
Wash hands often during the day and drink plenty of fluids.
Avoid things that you know will be triggers for you.
Stay indoors as much as possible, if your allergies are seasonal.
If you’re allergic to dust; vacuum your mattress, wash bed linens often and put pillows through the dryer on a weekly basis.
Cover your bed, pillows and mattress with dust covers.
What if I still don’t feel better?
If you start having headaches, colored mucous from your nose or pain in your face, you may be developing a sinus infection and should be evaluated at your doctor medical clinic.
