The Misery of Seasonal Allergies

Ah, springtime. The sun is shining, birds are chirping, flowers are blooming and millions of Americans are sneezing. And coughing. And sniffling. More than 35 million Americans suffer from seasonal hay fever each year. Find out how you can stay ahead of your allergies before they get the best of you.

The Allergic Reaction

Pollen is the most common culprit for triggering spring-time allergies. Trees, grasses and weeds release fine yellow particles into the air for the purpose of fertilizing other plants. Allergic reactions are caused by inhaling these particles. Sneezing, coughing and watery eyes are the body’s knee-jerk reaction to the presence of allergens.

What causes an allergic reaction?

• Plants release pollen, which is then inhaled by people.
• Next, the immune system kicks in, mistaking the allergen for a foreign invader, such as bacteria or a virus.
• Antibodies are released, which then attack the allergens and histamines are released
• Histamines are the chemical that causes allergy symptoms “I hab a sduffy nose.

Symptoms of spring allergies include:

• Runny, stuffy nose
• Watery, itchy eyes
• Coughing and sneezing

 

Seasonal Allergy Treatment

Treat your allergies either over-the-counter or with a prescription. Treatments come in many forms, including pills, liquids, inhalers, nasal sprays, eye drops, skin creams and injections. Corticosteroids:  Flonase, Nasonex, Omnaris, Rhinsocort Aqua

• Corticosteroids help prevent the release of chemicals that cause allergic reaction symptoms.

Antihistamines:  Claritin, Zyrtec, Clarinex, Allegra

• Antihistamines block histamine, a symptom-causing chemical released by the immune system.

Decongestants:  Claritin-D, Sudafed, Afrin, Neo-synephrine

• Decongestants provide quick, temporary relief of nasal and sinus congestion.