Suffering from Seasonal Allergies…. What Should I Do?

By: Chad Zawacki PA-C

Are you one of the millions that suffer from seasonal allergies when Spring and Summertime starts rolling around? If so, you may be wondering what can I do to get relief!?

Symptoms of seasonal allergies also known as allergic rhinitis include: scratchy/sore throat, post nasal drip, sinus pressure, bilateral ear pressure, nasal congestion, dry cough, sneezing and watery eyes.  These symptoms are experienced after coming into contact with a trigger usually being pollen from trees, grasses and weeds.

Seasonal allergy sufferers typically complain of flare ups on hot, dry and windy days as more pollen is being carried in the air while less symptoms or flare ups are seen on rainy days as pollen is knocked to the ground by the rain.

When a flareup occurs first line treatment should involve otc medications such as claritin, zyrtec, allegra, and afrin or flonase.  Most individuals typically respond well to these medications with their symptoms clearing up within two weeks.  If symptoms are not improving after taking over the counter medications a prescription medication such as singulair may be prescribed or even a steroid shot which some people refer to as a “cocktail shot” may be provided.

The best treatment for seasonal allergies is to learn what your triggers are and when your prone to flare ups and to avoid those triggers.  Also, it may be wise for severe seasonal allergy sufferers to take a daily claritin, allegrea or zyrtec for a few months during the Spring and Summer months to prevent symptoms.  For severe cases there is immunotherapy (allergy shots) now available to help those certain circumstances.

If you are an individual who suffers from seasonal allergies and would like to discuss more on treatment options, we would love to have you here at 45 Urgent Care and get you feeling better and enjoying your upcoming Summer!