4 Tips to Manage Seasonal Allergy Symptoms
seasonal allergies, also known as seasonal allergic rhinitis or hay fever, occur during specific periods of the year when grasses, weeds, and trees release small pollen particles into the air to fertilize other plants. Common signs of seasonal allergies include sneezing, runny nose, itchy or watery eyes, and occasionally coughing. If you are experiencing seasonal allergies, your reliable allergist Surprise, AZ can help get to the bottom of the problem.
Here are tips to help you manage seasonal allergies:
- Identify your allergy symptoms
Not all people will experience the entire range of symptoms associated with seasonal allergies, which mostly affect the nose, mouth, eyes, and sinuses. Typical allergy symptoms include rashes, watery eyes, and an itchy tongue, but other symptoms might seem like infection symptoms. If your signs and symptoms, such as a runny or congested nose, sneezing, coughing, red or watery eyes, or nasal congestion and pain, persist for more than a week or two, you could be sensitive to seasonal irritants.
These irritants vary from individual to individual. Various things can trigger allergies in different people. They can also change depending on the season. Knowing your symptoms can help you understand what you are allergic to.
- Know your medications
All of the more recent over-the-counter antihistamine drugs are thought to be equally effective. But many people discover that one kind works better for them than another, and many individuals find they need to switch up their meds or try new types every year to get rid of their symptoms.
It is advisable to start with 10 mg of loratadine (Claritin) for adults and 5 mg for kids each day. Additional choices include Diphenhydramine or cetirizine (Zyrtec) at the same dosage. Most individuals will not get sleepy with loratadine or cetirizine, but diphenhydramine can be sedating and have the “hangover” effect in the morning if taken before bed.
- Use steam and nasal sprays.
For many folks, using medication may be unable to control the numerous symptoms of seasonal allergies. Both medicated and nonmedicated nasal sprays are crucial in treating post-nasal drip and congestion. Sprays containing nasal steroids reduce edema and inflammation in the nasal passages brought on by allergies. This may facilitate easy breathing. Saline sprays help to relieve mucus congestion and moisten dry nasal passages.
Try using a daily steroid nasal spray, such as fluticasone (Flonase) or triamcinolone acetonide (Nasacort), and think about including a moisturizing spray or a regular saline nasal spray that can be used several times daily as necessary. Consider starting steroid sprays early in addition to your antihistamine, as they will take a few days to take effect.
- Begin early and continue consistently
You will end up chasing the issue rather than avoiding it if you start taking your allergy drugs just after symptoms appear and only on “bad” days. Start taking your allergy medications before the beginning of pollen season to manage your allergy. If you have asthma and seasonal allergies, take your antihistamine before night every day for the remainder of the season.
If you have seasonal allergies, the above tips may help you find relief. Call Oasis Ear, Nose, and Throat to book your appointment to treat seasonal allergies.