Spring has sprung... and so have your allergies. The most common spring allergies:
Myth: I only need to take my allergy medication when I’m feeling really bad.
Fact: Most allergy medications work best if taken daily, beginning about 1-2 weeks before your allergy season starts. When the medicine is already in your body, it can work more effectively when you are exposed to an allergen. So managing grass pollen allergy or other spring allergy symptoms means understanding the timing of your allergy symptoms. That allows you to start your medicine early.
Myth: Allergy medications make me sleepy, so I just tolerate my symptoms because there’s nothing I can do to stop them.
Fact: Non-sedating allergy medications are available and effective for relieving symptoms. These include antihistamines and corticosteroid nasal sprays. Many people also find effective relief from nasal washes.
If you purchase a medication over the counter, be sure to read and follow the dosing and safety instructions printed on the medication label.
Talk with an allergy specialist about treatment options including allergy immunotherapy (also called allergy shots). There is no reason to suffer when there are lots of different choices for treating allergy symptoms.
Myth: All I need to control my allergies indoors is an air cleaner.
Fact: An air cleaner or purifier will only remove allergens floating in the air. They do nothing for pollen and mold spores on your clothes, shoes, or hair that you bring in from outside.
Air cleaners are one part of an overall strategy to reduce indoor allergies. Health tips include making sure you’re air filters are replaced regularly. Keeping windows shut when pollen levels are high is essential. Showering after being outside, and regular dusting and vacuuming may also help control allergy symptoms.
