Spring is in full swing, but with the longer days and blue skies comes allergy season. Springtime allergies are a reaction to pollen released by trees, grass, and other plants this time of year, which can irritate and cause sneezing, itchy eyes, and runny noses.
As many as fifty million Americans deal with allergies, with symptoms ranging from mild nuisances to severe blockage.
If you want to enjoy this spring free from pesky irritation, then a quick conversation with your pharmacist can provide the information and medication you might need. For fast and easy recommendations about navigating allergy season, contact us or drop by one of our locations in person.
Personalized Medication Recommendation
Searching for the right medication to offset your allergy symptoms can be a time-consuming experience, but contacting your pharmacist can save you time by identifying the most effective treatment based on your reaction to medication and personal history.
Some standard options for allergy relief include:
- Antihistamines
- Orally ingested medication that blocks histamine, a chemical released during allergic reactions, to alleviate symptoms like sneezing, itching, and a runny nose.
- Drowsy options like Benadryl
- Non-drowsy options like Claritin, Zyrtec, and Allegra
- Decongestants
- Relieve nasal congestion by narrowing blood vessels in the nasal passages.
- Orally ingested options like Sudafed
- Nasal sprays such as Afrin
- Eye Drops
- Alleviate ocular symptoms like itching, redness, and watering for instant eye relief.
- Eye drop options include Zaditor, Clear Eyes, and Visine
- Supplement
- D-Hist which creates support for nasal and sinus passageways for seasonal changes. Customers can find this supplement at Community Pharmacy.
There are subtle and overt differences between these medications, so having a pharmacist listen to your symptoms can help you find the right support for quick and easy relief from springtime allergies.
Help Manage Allergen Exposure
While the right medication can make life in spring more comfortable, managing your daily exposure level to pollen is another major step
Practical tips to reduce pollen exposure:
- Monitor Pollen Counts
- Stay informed about daily pollen with weather forecasts in your area to plan outdoor activities accordingly.
- Limit Outdoor Exposure
- Stay indoors during peak pollen times, typically early morning and evening.
- Keep Windows Closed
- Prevent pollen from entering your home by keeping windows and doors closed, especially on high pollen days.
- Use Air Purifiers
- Invest in HEPA-filter air purifiers to reduce indoor pollen levels.
- Shower and Change Clothes
- After being outdoors, shower and change clothes to remove pollen from your skin and hair.
- Wear Protective Gear
- Use sunglasses to protect your eyes and consider wearing a mask when doing yard work or during high pollen days.
These tips become especially important if you are sensitive to air irritants, as conditions can fluctuate significantly from day to day within the quickly changing weather of spring.
Keep Your Spring Clear and Easy
Spring should be about sunshine and fresh air, not sneezing fits and itchy eyes. Combining the right medications with smart habits can significantly reduce or eliminate your allergy symptoms.
As always, if you have any questions about how to survive allergy season best, feel free to contact us or drop by one of our locations in person for answers from our team.
