Seasonal allergies: A phenomenon that can be maddening and can leave us feeling all over the place. Whether from springtime pollen or fall ragweed, allergens can render you congested, itchy and tired. In this post, I’m going to take you through the treatment options and relief strategies used for seasonal allergies, so that you can get a better handle on your symptoms when the seasons change!
Understanding Seasonal Allergies: What Are They?
Seasonal allergies, or hay fever or allergic rhinitis, happens when the body’s immune system overreacts to particles in the air, such as pollen, mold spores and dust mites. The body sees these innocuous particles as noxious invaders, and symptoms include sneezing, a runny nose, itchy eyes and congestion. These types of allergens are most prevalent during specific times of the year and vary depending on the type of allergen.
Common Allergens:
- Pollen: The leading culprit for seasonal allergies. Tree, grass and weed pollens can cause symptoms, especially in spring and fall.
- Mold spores: Mold is usually present in moist conditions and is common during the wet seasons and the areas with high humidity.
- Dust mites: Dust mites are also pesky no matter the month, but can increase during warmer months when windows and doors are open.
Treatment Options for Seasonal Allergies
Luckily, there are many seasonal allergy treatments that can help relieve their symptoms. Here’s how to be most effective in treating it.
1. Over-the-Counter Antihistamines
Antihistamines are one of the most common and easily available treatments for seasonal allergies. These medications work to block histamine, substance your body produces during an allergic rxn. Antihistamines help reduce histamine release, which can decrease symptoms of sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes.
Common over-the-counter antihistamines include:
- Loratadine (Claritin)
- Cetirizine (Zyrtec)
- Fexofenadine (Allegra)
They come in tablet, liquid and even nasal spray form, depending on how mild or severe your symptoms are.
2. Nasal Sprays and Decongestants
You will be able to clear your airways and get some immediate relief if you’re struggling with nasal congestion by using nasal sprays.
- Steroid nasal sprays, such as fluticasone (Flonase) and triamcinolone (Nasacort), work well to decrease inflammation in the nasal passages. These sprays are useable daily throughout allergy season to keep congestion from becoming foul.
- Decongestant nasal sprays like oxymetazoline (Afrin) help for temporary relief, too, but should not be used longer than several days to avoid rebound congestion.
3. Eye Drops for Allergy Relief
If you experience itchy, watery eyes, those are a classic symptom of seasonal allergies. If you have discomfort, antihistamine eye drops are a great option to reduce that. They help alleviate itching, redness and swelling related to allergens. Ketotifen (Zaditor) and olopatadine (Pataday), both available over the counter, are two such choices.
For more serious cases of eye irritation, it’s best to see an eye specialist, who might prescribe stronger prescription drops or further treatments.
4. Allergy Shots (Immunotherapy)
For people with chronic and extreme seasonal allergies, allergy shots — or immunotherapy — can provide long-lasting relief. Allergy shots: Allergy shots are regular injections of tiny amounts of allergens that your immune system can build up a tolerance to over time.
Though allergy shots can take months to be effective, in the long run, they can substantially reduce symptoms and even provide relief for years even after stopping treatment.
5. Natural Remedies
Home remedies that can help with allergies for allergy sufferers who want more natural ways to alleviate allergy symptoms in conjunction with the more traditional modes of allergy treatment. Some options include:
- Saline nasal irrigation: This involves rinsing allergens from your nasal passages using a neti pot or saline spray.
- Honey: Although there’s conflicting evidence and no definitive cure, some believe that local honey can help your body develop a resistance to local pollen. But this treatment is experimental and should not be used in place of established treatments.
- Herbal supplements: Herbs such as butterbur and stinging nettle are believed to help with allergy symptoms, although it’s essential to check with a health care provider before using them, particularly if you are taking other medications.
Relief Strategies to Minimize Allergy Symptoms
Along with treatments, there are some practices you can use in your daily life to minimize your exposure to allergens and temper your symptoms.
Keep Windows Closed
While the fresh air may be enticing, open windows also allow for pollen, mold and other irritants and allergens to enter the home. On high pollen days, it’s better to keep windows closed, particularly in the morning and evening hours when pollen counts are usually highest.
Stay Inside When Pollen Counts Are High
If the pollen count is high, do your best to limit your time outside, especially in the morning, when pollen counts tend to peak. If you must go out, wear sunglasses or a wide-brimmed hat to reduce your exposure to pollen.
Shower and Change Your Clothes After Being Outside
So after being outdoors, it’s crucial to wash off pollen that has stuck to your skin, hair or clothes. Shower and change clothes to avoid bringing allergens indoors.
Use HEPA Air Purifiers
An air purifier with a HEPA filter can help clear your home of airborne allergens, such as pollen, dust, and pet dander. This can be important in the bedroom to guarantee a good night’s sleep free of allergy symptoms.
Navigating Seasonal Allergies with Confidence
Seasonal allergies don’t have to take over your life. By understanding your triggers and exploring various treatment options, you can find relief and enjoy the changing seasons. Whether you choose over-the-counter remedies, prescription medications, or natural treatments, there are plenty of solutions to help you manage your symptoms.
Remember to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new treatment regimen, especially if you have underlying health conditions. By staying informed and proactive, you can navigate seasonal allergies with confidence and minimize their impact on your day-to-day life. For more information and expert advice on managing allergies, visit Absolute Ucare today.
