Seasonal Allergies: Keeping it Under Control

Allergic diseases are the sixth leading cause of chronic disease in the United States. Seasonal allergies also known as hay fever is one of the most common allergies. Symptoms include runny nose, scratchy throat, watery eyes, frequent sneezing and sometimes congestion. Common triggers consist of ragweed, tree pollen, cut grass and mold. Majority of allergy sufferers usually have to take some type of medication whether it is OTC (over-the counter) or prescription drug. Remember most OTC meds are usually only temporary relief so consult with your physician about prescribing you something that is long lasting such as 24 hour relief. Depending on the severity, more than one med may be prescribed.

A seasonal allergy is an allergic reaction that is usually triggered during a certain time of the year mainly spring and summer. Pollen is produced from flowering plants that is normally carried by the wind or insects and served to cross-pollinate other plants of the same type for reproductive purposes. When pollen is present in the air, it can land in a person's eyes, nose, lungs, and on their skin to set up an allergic reaction. At weather.com you are able to put your zip code in and it will give you what is the tree, grass and weed pollen count in your area based on low, medium and high levels each day. You can also contact the National Allergy Bureau, which provides pollen reports to the public as well. This is very helpful especially when its time to go on vacation. Many allergy sufferers plan vacations around high peak times when the pollen count is high.

There are several things you can do to keep your seasonal allergies under control.Limiting your outdoor activity is one of them. You should avoid being outside from 6am-10am when the pollen count is most likely to be at its highest. Try to plan or schedule around those times. If you have to be outdoors during the high pollen count, I recommend you take a shower. Chances are there is pollen on your clothes and hair. Keep your car windows and house windows closed to prevent pollen from coming in. While driving use your AC if necessary to eliminate the intake of pollen from getting in especially if the wind is blowing and don't forget your sunglasses to protect those eyes. Try to avoid rubbing your eyes with your hands when they itch. Instead get a cool cloth and lay it on your eyes to keep from watering or being irritated. Make sure you keep eye drops handy. Visine Eye Allergy Relief drops works well for me because it is combine with an antihistamine and redness reliever and it's clinically proven effective for eye allergy relief.

Taking your meds before it triggers also helps control your seasonal allergies. If you take your medicine before your allergies starts then your symptoms are not as severe. When my seasonal allergies gets out of control let me tell you it is no joke! I am constantly sneezing. My throat is scratchy that I have to make that loud obnoxious noise to soothe it. There are several different allergy medications out there but whichever works for you -stick with it. Changing up meds does not always help your allergies however you may need to try different ones until you find the right one that makes your seasonal allergies manageable. The most popular ones are Claritin, Zyrtec, Allegra, Singulair, Flonase. Following in Claritin's footsteps, Zyrtec just recently announced that they are now available prescription strength without a prescription. For me I found that Zyrtec keeps my seasonal allergies under control and I like the fact that I can take something that last all day without feeling drowsy or miserable.

Sources I used:

http://www.weather.com/activities/health/allergies/?from=secondarynav

(www.aaaai.org/nab)