Tips for Managing Seasonal Allergies
As a Service member, staying mission-ready means taking care of your health, including managing seasonal allergies effectively. While allergies can be frustrating, they don’t have to interfere with your daily life if you take the right precautions. Many over-the-counter medications can help, but it’s important to use them responsibly. We are here to remind you that misusing medications, whether taking more than directed, using someone else’s prescription or combining medications improperly, can put your health, career and well-being at risk. Understanding how to safely manage allergies can help you stay at your best.
When Is Allergy Season
Depending on the weather and climate in your area, you may experience seasonal allergies at different times of the year. Typically, seasonal allergies are most common in the spring when flowers and trees are blooming. However, seasonal allergies can also last into the summer and fall depending on the amount of plant pollen where you live. You can use the weather app on your phone to check pollen levels around you.
Common Symptoms
- Stuffy nose.
- Clear, watery discharge from the nose.
- Watery/itchy/red eyes.
- Sneezing.
- Coughing.
- Inflammation of inner eyelids and whites of eyes.
- Fullness in your ears.
- Headaches.
- Fatigue.
Prevention
- Check pollen forecasts for your area.
- Limit outdoor activities between 5-10am when pollen counts tend to be highest.
- Wash your hands after being outside.
- Shower or take a bath after spending time outside.
- Change your clothes after being outside.
- Keep windows and doors closed and use air conditioning to cool your house.
- Avoid using attic and window fans that can blow in the outside air.
Treatment
- Saline washes: Used to rinse out the nasal passageway to prevent irritation from allergens you breathe in.
- Antihistamines: Used to block the symptoms caused by excessive histamines in your body. Some antihistamines can make you sleepy so be cautious when using ones that cause drowsiness if you have to drive or operate heavy machinery. Always read the label on the medication before you use it and consult a healthcare provider if you have any questions. Examples of non-drowsy antihistamines you can buy over the counter include Cetirizine tablets (Zyrtec), Loratadine tablets (Claritin), and Fexofenadine (Allegra).
- Nasal Corticosteroids: Used to treat inflammation and reduce allergy symptoms like a stuffy nose. Examples of this type of medication that can be found over the counter are Fluticasone (Flonase) or Mometasone (Nasonex). These medications are typically sprayed into the nose (both nostrils) one to two times per day. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are using a nasal corticosteroid spray for more than two months out of the year.
- Decongestants: Decongestants are taken orally or can be sprayed into the nose and are sometimes recommended in combination with other allergy medications for a short period of time. Decongestants can be purchased without a prescription, but they are often found behind the pharmacy counter and may require ID for purchase. Consult your healthcare provider if your symptoms do not resolve in two to three days.
- Immunotherapy: If you are looking for a long-term solution consult your healthcare provider about the use of allergy shots that gradually expose your body to injected amounts of the allergen to help you develop a tolerance over time.
Know the Risks of Misusing Allergy Medication
Some allergy medications, especially decongestants, are regulated due to their potential for misuse. Protect your health, career and well-being by using medications responsibly. Follow the directions, never share prescriptions and avoid improper combinations. When in doubt, follow medication guidelines and consult your healthcare provider with any concerns. You have too much to lose!