How To Cope With The Spring Allergy Season

The first indication that spring has arrived is the onset of sneezes, watery eyes, and a runny nose. The start of allergy season in varies from February to early summer and for many, coping with spring allergies can be a real pain!

Dr Frank J. Eidelman, MD, MBA, FAAAAI, an allergist in New York City, explains what causes these allergies to be so challenging – and how to control the sneezing, wheezing, sniffling, and other symptoms.

What can I do to avoid spring allergies?

Grin and bear it if you have minor allergies. If your allergies are more severe, they may severely limit your activities.

Starting a topical nasal steroid spray one or two weeks before the start of allergy season is advised by Dr Eidelman. These sprays can help reduce inflammation in your nose and prevent some of your worst symptoms from starting.

However, before allergy season begins, use them to their full potential so that they’ll be effective by the time pollen starts falling. Use them every day until the season ends.

One option to consider is Telfast tablets which is a non-drowsy, anti-histamine medicine. It will help you cope with spring allergies as they block the effects of histamine in the body

Coping with spring allergies

Many of the greatest nasal medicines are now available over-the-counter, according to Dr Eidelman. They are divided into several categories.

1. Antihistamines

Antihistamines are a type of drug that fights histamine. They come in two separate groups:

• • First-generation antihistamines: Older medications, such as Benadryl® (diphenhydramine), cause drowsiness and reduced reaction speeds, which may have an impact on your day-to-day productivity and the ability to drive cars. You may believe the drug isn’t having an impact on you, Dr Eidelman cautions, “but it’s very probable that you aren’t functioning as well as you think.”
  • Second-generation antihistamines: Antihistamines, for example, include Benadryl® (diphenhydramine), Claritin® (loratadine), Allegra® (fexofenadine) and Zyrtec® (cetirizine). They’re less sedating or non-sedating than their predecessors.

2. Nasal sprays

Antihistamines aren’t particularly successful in treating nasal congestion, postnasal drip, and sinus pressure, according to Dr Eidelman. However, you can use a topical nasal steroid such as Flonase® (fluticasone), Rhinocort® (budesonide), Nasonex® (mometasone) or Nasacort® (triamcinolone).

There are numerous brands and types of non-sedating nasal sprays on the market. However, you will have to use them continuously for them to be effective.

3. Decongestants

Another treatment option for nasal congestion, postnasal drip, and sinus pressure is to use Sudafed® (pseudoephedrine) an antihistamine every day. Pseudoephedrine is a decongestant that can help with congestion.

However, decongestants are not recommended if you have high blood pressure or cardiac issues. There are a few more factors to think about.

Combination decongestants, such as pseudoephedrine, which is also present in medicines like Allegra-D®, Claritin-D® and Zyrtec-D®, have the potential to cause severe adverse effects, such as:

• • • Heart palpitations.
    • An enlarged prostate.
    • High blood pressure.

“Taking it every day isn’t necessary for everyone, and in general I don’t recommend it for those with heart issues or who are over the age of 40,” Dr Eidelman adds. If you’re reading this because you have a problem with your heart, stick to topical nasal steroids instead.

4. Allergy shots

If over-the-counter medicines and nasal sprays don’t help you cope with spring allergies, allergy injections, commonly known as immunotherapy, might be worth investigating.

They can help you to become less allergic to pollens and other substances that you are sensitive to. If, for example, you have an allergy to tree pollen, a shot containing tree pollen protein may be administered.