If you’re one of the millions of people who have seasonal allergies, this time of year means sneezing, congestion, a runny nose and other bothersome symptoms. Also known as hay fever and allergic rhinitis, allergies can make you miserable. But there are ways to fight back by using a few simple strategies recommended by the Mayo Clinic:

  1. Reduce your exposure to allergy triggers. For example, stay indoors on dry, windy days. The best time to go outside is after a good rain, which helps clear pollen from the air. Avoid gardening chores that stir up allergens and always remove clothes you’ve worn outside and shower to rinse pollen from your skin and hair.
  2. Keep your eye on the pollen count. Check your local TV or radio station, your local newspaper, or the internet for pollen forecasts and current pollen levels. If high pollen counts are forecasted, start taking allergy medications before your symptoms start.
  3. Keep indoor air clean.  Use high-efficiency air conditioning filters and follow regular maintenance schedules. Keep indoor air dry with a dehumidifier.
  4. Use an over-the-counter remedy. Several types of nonprescription medications can help ease allergy symptoms. They include:
    1. Oral antihistamines. Antihistamines can help relieve sneezing, itching, a stuffy or runny nose, and watery eyes. Brands include: Zyrtec Allergy), Allegra Allergy, Claritin, and Alavert.
    2. Corticosteroid nasal sprays. These medications improve nasal symptoms. Brands include Flonase, Rhinocort, and Nasacort Allergy.
    3. Cromolyn sodium nasal spray. This nasal spray can ease allergy symptoms by blocking the release of immune system agents that cause symptoms.
    4. Oral decongestants. These include Sudafed, Zyrtec-D 12 Hour, Allegra-D 12 Hour, Claritin-D). Talk to your health care provider about whether the use of a decongestant is good for treating your allergy symptoms.
  5. Rinse your sinuses. Rinsing your nasal passages with saline solution (nasal irrigation) is a quick, inexpensive and effective way to relieve nasal congestion. Rinsing directly flushes out mucus and allergens from your nose.
  6. Alternative treatments. These  include extracts of the shrub butterbur, spirulina (a type of dried algae) and other herbal remedies. Based on the limited number of well-designed clinical trials, there is not enough evidence to demonstrate the safety and effectiveness of these remedies.

Further Medial Evaluation from Dr. Alla Weisz

But when home remedies are not enough, don’t give up. Instead, consulting with Dr. Alla Weisz about conducting skin tests or blood tests to find out exactly what allergens trigger your symptoms. Such diagnostic procedures will help determine what steps you need to take in order to avoid your specific triggers and determine which treatments are likely to work best for you. 

Your doctor may prescribe tablets placed under the tongue. Alternately, allergy shots (allergen immunotherapy) can be an effective option. Also known as desensitization, this treatment involves regular injections containing tiny amounts of the substances that cause your allergies. Over time, these injections reduce the immune system reaction that causes symptoms.

Source: Mayo Clinic Staff; posted at www.mayoclinic.org/diseases Feb. 22, 2024.