Allergy season lasts for the majority of the year, but it definitely spikes during the Spring season due to high pollen count. That stuffy nose, constant sneezing, and watery eyes don’t have to be part of your daily routine. Here are some great tips for finally getting the allergy relief you deserve:
Be PROACTIVE and REDUCE your exposure to allergens:
Stay indoors during high pollen counts.
Shower to rinse pollen from your skin and hair and Change into clean clothes after an outdoor activity.
Wear a MASK when you go outside.
Avoid outdoors in early mornings from 5 A.M. to 10 A.M. when pollen counts are the highest
Start taking your allergy medications before your symptoms start, especially on the days pollen counts are high
Keep air CLEAN indoors
Follow regular maintenance schedules and use high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters for your air heating and cooling.
Use a dehumidifier to keep air dry
Clean floors regularly with a vacuum cleaner that has a HEPA filter
Try over the counter MEDICATIONS
Oral antihistamines: They are most popular form of allergy medication. They work best for people who have milder allergy symptoms that occur seasonally, and they come in many forms—pills, chewable tablets, and liquids. Examples of oral antihistamines include loratadine (Claritin, Alavert), cetirizine (Zyrtec Allergy) and fexofenadine (Allegra Allergy).
Decongestants: There are oral decongestants such as pseudoephedrine (Sudafed, Afrinol) and Nasal sprays such as oxymetazoline (Afrin) and phenylephrine (Neo-Synephrine) that can provide temporary relief from nasal stuffiness. Use nasal decongestants only for 2-3 days at a time. Longer use can actually worsen your symptoms and cause rebound congestion.
Steroid Nasal spray: Nasal sprays such as Fluticasone (Flonase), Triamconolone (Nasacort ) and others with steroid in it is especially for those whose allergic reactions persist even when they stay indoors. If you still experience nasal stuffiness when you’re indoors, try a prescription or over-the-counter steroid nasal spray. This will help you breathe much more comfortably.
RINSE your sinuses
Using a sinus rinse with saline solution is a quick, inexpensive and effective way to relieve nasal congestion. Neti pot, most common sinus rinse, can be found at most pharmacies or health food store without a prescription.
IMMUNOTHERAPY:
Also known as allergy shots is a prescription treatment that trains your body to become immune to allergens by exposing you to high amounts of them. Most forms of immunotherapy are through shots at a doctor’s office, but there are also newer forms that involve dissolvable tablets you ingest. If sprays and pills just aren’t working for you, consider this allergy relief option and discuss it with your physician.
TALK to your DOCTOR
If all else fails and if your allergy symptoms are still a burden in your life, then schedule an appointment with your doctor to discuss more treatment options.
Click the link below for Allergy forecast!!!