Seasonal Allergies Survival Guide

As trees begin to bud and flowers bloom, seasonal allergies are also making their annual appearance for millions of people. Runny noses, itchy eyes, sneezing, and congestion are all classic symptoms caused by the body’s overreaction to pollen and other airborne allergens.

While allergies are frustrating, there are many ways to find relief!

• Using a HEPA air purifier can help remove allergens from indoor air. Running the air conditioning can also limit allergens circulating inside.
• Rinsing out your nasal passages with a saline solution can help flush out allergens. Best of all, it’s medication free!
• Over-the-counter oral antihistamines like cetirizine (Zyrtec) or loratadine (Claritin) work by blocking histamine, the chemical released by your immune system that causes allergy symptoms. It’s important to take these for a week or more in order to have optimal effect.
• For some people, intranasal steroid sprays like fluticasone (Flonase) may provide additional relief by reducing inflammation in the nasal passages. Similar to antihistamines, steroid sprays work better the longer you take them.
  
  

Keeping track of your symptoms and medications with Radish Health can help you stay in control and enjoy spring. And if needed, we can refer you to an allergist for testing and to explore immunotherapy options which may desensitize you to allergens over time.

With some preventative measures and the right medication, you can keep seasonal allergies under control and enjoy the beauty of spring! Chat with your Radish doctor now to find out more!