Four Remedies to Springtime Allergies

Spring is here! The blossoms are exploding, birds are singing, the temperatures are warming up, and the allergies are . . . intense!

If you are among the 30 percent of Americans who suffer from allergies , here are some tried and true remedies to help you through this season:

Oral Antihistamines

When you come into contact with something you are allergic to, your body produces histamines. These histamines cause the classic sneezy, itchy allergy symptoms. Oral antihistamines help reduce histamines and provide allergy relief. Allegra, Clarinex, Benadryl, and Chlor-Trimeton are all examples. These medications are known to cause drowsiness, so try to limit them to bedtime.

Eye Drops

There are two types of eye drops: antihistamine drops, which help with itchiness and watery eyes, and decongestant drops, which reduce eye redness and puffiness. These drops should only be used in the short-term, as your springtime allergy symptoms could be aggravated by using eye drops for too long .

Nasal Spray

Although the initial feeling of breathing in the spray can be overwhelming, we promise it is worth it. Using nasal sprays, like nonprescription fluticasone, will shrink blood vessels and tissues in your sinuses, thus relieving your allergy symptoms.

Just be sure to follow the directions; exceeding proper dosage amounts or using nasal spray for more than five days can cause the rebound effect . This means that your body has built up a tolerance for the medication, and you’ll need more and more of it to reduce congestion.

Sinus Rinsing

One way you may be able to treat your allergy symptoms without medication is through sinus rinsing. Pour a saline solution into one nostril, or consider buying a nasal irrigation system (i.e., neti pots) . Both are great options!

If springtime allergies are troubling you, try one or more of these remedies to alleviate your symptoms. As always, follow all directions and suggested dosages. Then open a window and enjoy that spring air!