03/18/2024
Seasonal Allergies-Symptoms & Treatment
Seasonal allergies, also known as hay fever or allergic rhinitis, are triggered by allergens such as pollen, mold spores, and grass. They can be more than a nuisance, affecting the suffer’s daily quality of life. Symptoms include sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, itchy and/or watery eyes, and itching in the throat and/or ears.
Treatment options include over-the-counter or prescription anti-histamines, over-the-counter decongestants, whether in oral form or as a nasal spray, over-the-counter or prescription nasal corticosteroids, and allergy shots (immunotherapy).
It’s also very helpful to stay indoors with the windows closed on high pollen days, and using air purifiers.
If you or anyone you know is starting to suffer from seasonal allergies, and I’ve seen a lot of sufferers already this year, contact your family physician or your pharmacist. Pharmacists are trained and authorized to assess and prescribe when appropriate, many of same medications as physicians do. Allergic rhinitis is one of the 19 minor ailments we are trained to assess and prescribe for. Have a great season!
