Allergy season

How to prepare for allergy season

Identify your triggers: Try to identify the specific allergens that trigger your symptoms. This may include pollen, dust mites, pet dander, or mold. Once you know your triggers, you can take steps to avoid them.

Check the pollen count: Check the local pollen count in your area to know when the levels are high. You can use this information to plan your outdoor activities accordingly. Keep windows closed. Cool your home with fans or air conditioning.

Keep your home clean: Regularly clean your home to reduce exposure to allergens. This may include vacuuming carpets and furniture, washing bedding in hot water, and using an air purifier.

Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water to help thin mucus and reduce congestion.

Be proactive: Start taking allergy medications before your symptoms start to reduce their severity.

Mask: If you're going to be outdoors during high pollen counts, consider wearing a mask to reduce exposure to allergens. Examples include N95, Vogmask Particle Filtering Face Mask, and RZ Mask M2 Reusable Mask-

Antihistamines: These medications can help relieve allergy symptoms like sneezing, itching, and runny nose. Some common over-the-counter antihistamines include loratadine/Claritin, cetirizine/ Zyrtec,  fexofenadine/ Allegra, Xyzal/Levocetirizine

Pharmacists often recommend generic medications as a cost-effective alternative to brand-name medications, especially if they have the same active ingredients and are bioequivalent.

For children 2+:  loratadine/ Claritin, cetirizine/Zyrtec, Fexofenadine/ Allegra, Xyzal liquid, and chewable formulations are available. 

Combination medications: Some allergy medications combine antihistamines with decongestants to relieve multiple allergy symptoms. Examples include loratadine/pseudoephedrine-ClaritinD and cetirizine/pseudoephedrine Zyrtec D behind the counter.

Nasal corticosteroids: These prescription medications can help relieve nasal congestion, sneezing, and runny nose caused by allergies. Some examples include 

 For children 3+ Mometasone/Nasonex, 

For children 2+ Flonase Sensimist Allergy Relief Nasal Spray 

Important: If you have strong allergic reactions to tree pollen, start nasal sprays or oral medications a couple of weeks before the beginning of the pollen season.

Eye Drops: I often recommend allergy eye drops for patients experiencing symptoms such as itching, redness, and watery eyes due to allergies.

 Pataday used to be behind the counter, now it's OTC and available for ages 2+

   

Compared to Alaway/ketotifen, Pataday/olopatadine provided quicker relief of symptoms and improved symptoms. 

In conclusion, it's best to use a nasal spray,  antihistamine tablet/liquid and eye drops together for the best allergy relief during peak season.