5 tips to help knock out your seasonal allergies

Ah, springtime. The birds are chirping, the snow is melting, the temperature is rising — and, ugh, your allergies are back. Yes, if you’re one of the more than 19 million American adults who suffer from seasonal allergies (aka hay fever), you may not be so happy that spring has sprung.

We’re with you: Allergies stink. And at this point in your life, you’re all too familiar with the typical symptoms:

• Congestion
• Coughing
• Itchy, watery eyes
• Runny nose
• Sneezing

Allergies are the icky result of a powdery substance called pollen, which is released into the air by blooming trees, flowers, and grasses. If you’re allergic to pollen, your immune system overreacts when you breathe it in, causing all those symptoms.

And it can be a long, drawn-out affair depending on where you live. For some, allergy season can start as early as February and last into the summer.

Luckily, there are more than a few ways to treat allergic reactions and soothe your symptoms. Here are five tips to help you prepare before the pollen starts flying.

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Tip #1: Stock up on allergy meds

Antihistamines are a go-to over the counter (OTC) med for seasonal allergies. They work by blocking the effects of histamine, which is the chemical released by your immune system in response to allergens like pollen. Histamine is what causes those pesky allergy symptoms.

You’ll find lots of options on your local pharmacy’s shelf, such as:

• Allegra (fexofenadine)
• Benadryl (diphenhydramine)
• Claritin (loratadine)
• Xyzal (levocetirizine)
• Zyrtec (cetirizine)

Pro tip: Your pharmacy may carry a store-brand version of these meds. They’re usually just as effective as the name-brand ones and will save you some money.

As a rule of thumb, each antihistamine works a little differently. Talk to the pharmacist or your primary care provider about which one might be best for you.

Some things to ask before buying an antihistamine:

• How often should I take it?
• Should I take it at a certain time of day?
• Will it make me drowsy or cause any other side effects?
• Will it interact with any of the other meds I’m taking?

Your provider or pharmacist will be able to answer those questions and any others you might have. Another good medical professional who can answer your medication questions is the licensed clinician who comes to your home for your no-cost in-home health visit. A medication review is just one part of this complete health assessment.

Corticosteroid nasal sprays are another OTC option. They are a type of steroid drug that helps reduce swelling and irritation in your sinuses. They’re particularly effective at relieving sneezing, an itchy nose, and congestion.

Keep in mind, though, you might not get relief right away. That’s because some of these meds can take several days or weeks to become fully effective. It’s often a good idea to start taking them a couple of weeks before allergy season kicks into gear too.

OTC meds not cutting it? Talk to your provider about prescription options.

Tip #2: Manage your symptoms with other OTC products

While you’re at the pharmacy, you might want to grab a few other essentials to help relieve your allergy symptoms. Those could include:

• Decongestants. These are meds that can help clear up a stuffy nose. They do it by reducing the swelling caused by that allergic reaction you’re battling. They come in pill or liquid form or as a medicated nasal spray. Heads-up: Don’t use nasal spray decongestants for more than a few days at a time. Using them long-term can actually make your congestion worse.
• Eye drops. Do your allergies make it look like you’ve been sobbing 24/7? Eye drops can help clear away allergens and relieve red, itchy, watery eyes.
• Saline (saltwater) nasal spray. Unlike the other OTC nasal spray mentioned above, a saline nasal spray contains no medication. It’s simply a saltwater solution. When sprayed in your nose, it can help clear out allergens and make mucus thinner, which relieves congestion. It can also help moisten a dry, irritated nose.
• Neti pot. If saline nasal spray isn’t getting the job done, consider a nasal irrigation device, such as a neti pot, for a serious cleansing. These devices flush out your nasal passage with saline water. You literally pour water into one nostril, and it comes out the other. It may sound unpleasant, but it can be very effective at flushing out pollen and other allergens from your nose. Plus, it can help clear out mucus and congestion.

Follow the instructions carefully to make sure you do it safely. An important note: You must use distilled, sterile, or boiled and cooled water in a neti pot. Plain tap water may contain germs that can cause infection if they get into your sinuses.

Tip #3: Get yourself an air purifier

Most allergens get into your body via the air that you breathe. An air purifier can filter them out so that you can breathe easier in your home. Air purifiers aren’t cheap — but they can provide serious relief, and they’ll last for many years.

Make sure your air purifier comes with a HEPA filter, which stands for “high-efficiency particulate air.” Those are the real-deal filters — they’re designed to filter out 99.9% of airborne allergens, including:

• Bacteria
• Dust
• Mold
• Pollen

And really, the only maintenance you’ll have to do on them is to clean or replace the unit’s filter from time to time. Also, be sure to read the instructions that come with it for maximum allergy relief.

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Tip #4: Keep your eyes on that pollen count

If you’re not already in the habit of checking the weather report on TV or online every morning, you might want to start. Most weather stations, websites, and smartphone apps include info about the types (and degree) of allergens in the air. You can find daily pollen and mold counts in your area too.

If it’s a pollen or mold-heavy day, you might want to swap out that picnic in the park for an indoor activity like bowling or a movie. Or plan for extra protection when you do go outside.

For example, consider wearing a face mask to block out allergens, or double up on your allergy meds, if your provider says it’s safe. Using both an antihistamine and a corticosteroid nasal spray is usually safe and effective for severe allergy days.

Tip #5: Schedule a visit with your primary care provider

If you can’t kick your allergy symptoms with the tips listed above, it might be time to call in some reinforcements.

Start by talking with your doctor or the Matrix Medical Network licensed clinician during your in-home health assessment. They may be able to treat your allergies with prescription medications. Or they can refer you to an allergy specialist, who might be able to offer you alternative options, if they think you need them.

Everyone deserves to enjoy the warmer weather — without dealing with those nasty allergies.

See our sources:
Allergies and hay fever: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 
Seasonal allergies: American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology 
Antihistamines for allergies: MedlinePlus 
Generic allergy medication FAQs: U.S. Food & Drug Administration 
Neti pot use and safety: U.S. Food & Drug Administration 
HEPA filters: Environmental Protection Agency