Secrets to a Sneeze-Free Spring

Springtime. It’s the season of flowers blooming, birds singing and…allergies. If you keep getting the same miserable feeling at the same time every year, chances are you’ve got allergies.

Allergies, also known as allergic rhinitis or hay fever, are caused by an abnormal response by the immune system to something in the environment. When pollen or other allergy triggers get into the noses of certain people, their immune system mistakenly sees them as foreign invaders and releases antibodies – substances that normally identify and go after bacteria, viruses and other illness causing organisms. The antibodies attack the allergens, which leads to the release of chemicals called histamines into the blood. Histamines trigger the runny nose, itchy eyes, and other symptoms of allergies.

Allergies can affect you all year long, but most people are prone to an increase in allergy symptoms in the springtime, when pollen counts are high. Symptoms typically include runny nose, itchy eyes, sneezing and sometimes wheezing. Asthma sufferers should be especially careful to monitor their symptoms during allergy season.

While there is no cure for allergies, there are some simple tips you can use to minimize your suffering this spring. Avoid or delegate the activities that can stir up allergens, like mowing the lawn or dusting the house. If you do need to handle these tasks yourself, you can greatly minimize your allergies by wearing a disposable mask.

Check your local pollen forecast when planning outdoor activities. If you’re prone to seasonal allergies you can also reduce the classic allergy symptoms by taking an antihistamine like Loratidine (Claritin) preventatively before symptoms strike. Some studies have shown that taking certain vitamins may also help reduce response to environmental allergens.

If you do not start a preventative medicine early and need immediate relief, you may take an antihistamine or consider a combination product like Quality Choice Severe Allergy (Tylenol Severe Allergy). This product features an antihistamine to relieve your watery eyes, itchy eyes/nose/throat, runny nose, and sneezing; and a pain reliever to help with the inflammation.

If you have additional questions or would like information on medications for springtime allergies, please contact Brent Talley or Jim Thompson.