Allergy Season
Written by: Jess Bell
March 20, 2022
Allergy season can be rough, and if you’re one of the 50 million Americans that suffer from seasonal allergies, you’re likely dreading the springtime. But don’t worry, we’ve got a few tips for you that don’t involve locking yourself indoors for the next few months.
According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, an allergy to pollen (which can also be called “hay fever” or “seasonal allergic rhinitis”) is the most common cause of seasonal allergies. A pollen allergy can refer to a few different types of pollen: tree, grass, or weed pollen.
Tree pollen is responsible for most spring allergies, as trees produce pollen through the majority of the spring months. A few trees that are known to specifically trigger allergy symptoms include Ash, Aspen, Birch, Cedar, Maple, Oak, and Willow.
Grass pollen is usually produced from late spring to early summer. A few different types of grass that are known to trigger allergy symptoms are Bermuda, Kentucky, Rye, and Sweet vernal.
Weed pollen is most active from the summertime through the fall. Common weeds known to cause allergy symptoms include Ragweed (the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America notes that about 15% of the population is allergic to Ragweed), Burning Bush, Russian Thistle, Tumbleweed and a few more.
Some common symptoms of seasonal allergies include:
• Itchy, watery, or red eyes
•Sneezing
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Itchy nose, mouth, or ears
• Headache
So, I know I’ve got allergies, but what now?
There are a few different kinds of over-the-counter allergy medications available to you. Mayo Clinic suggests trying:
• Oral antihistamines: these include allergy medication like Claritin, Zyrtec, and Allegra.
• Decongestants: these include medications such as Sudafed or Afrin. You’ll want to be careful not to take these medications for more than a few days, as they can worsen symptoms if used for an extended period.
• Nasal spray: a cromolyn sodium nasal can help block what causes allergy symptoms and nasal corticosteroid sprays will help to reduce nasal swelling and block allergic reactions. Examples of these include NasalCrom, Nasacort, and Flonase.
If these OTC medications aren’t making a dent in your allergy symptoms, you may want to consider exploring immunotherapy. In immunotherapy, you receive a series of injections or a tablet of an allergen, gradually desensitizing your system and reducing the reaction your body has to that specific type of allergen.
Seasonal allergies can take a toll on your body, so it’s important to help boost your immune system, both before seasonal allergies kick in and during. You can help boost your immune system by:
• Exercise Regularly
• Get enough sleep
• Avoid smoking, minimize stress, and limit your alcohol consumption
• Eat a diet high in fruits and vegetables
• Consider eating foods or taking vitamin supplements high in Vitamin C, B6, and E
If you suffer from seasonal allergies, you shouldn’t have to stay inside all day, but there may be certain days where the pollen count isn’t worth venturing outside for too long. You can check your local weather app to see what the pollen count is like in your area for the next 15 days. If you are traveling, the top five worst cities for allergy sufferers in 2022 include:
• Scranton, PA
• Wichita, KS
• McAllen, TX
• Richmond, VA
• San Antonio, TX
If you have any questions about seasonal allergies, or about medications to alleviate your symptoms, call SpotRx today at 1-844-477-6879, or find one of our pharmacies near you at spotrx.com/locations.
We’re always more than happy to help you.