Allergy Relief
Allergy Relief
Achoo! You’re sneezing, your nose is stuffy, and your eyes are watering. If it’s not a cold or other bug, it might be allergies. When people suffer from seasonal allergies, they are often experiencing a common type of chronic allergic reaction referred to as hay fever or allergic rhinitis.
Over 50 million Americans experience seasonal allergies each year—it’s very common. Even though it’s called “seasonal” allergies, allergic rhinitis can occur year-round, although many people find fall and spring to be the worst time period.
Common Allergy Symptoms
Unfortunately, allergy symptoms typically last for as long as the allergen is in the air, or as long as you are exposed to the specific trigger. This could be several weeks or months, depending on the situation.
Why Do I Experience Allergy Symptoms?
Allergy symptoms occur when your body mistakes a harmless substance (such as plant pollen) as a threat and reacts accordingly for a dangerous invader. Your body produces a chemical called histamine to protect you, which is the source of many allergy symptoms such as sneezing and a stuffy nose.
Cities with the Worst Seasonal Allergy Problems
If you live in one of these cities, you might experience allergies more frequently and more severely. It’s nothing to worry about, but it is good to know—especially if you recently moved to one of these locations and are having more allergy flare-ups than before.
These cities are ranked for being the least challenging places to live in terms of seasonal allergies.
There are a variety of medications available to help reduce the symptoms of seasonal allergies. Typical over-the-counter (OTC) medications include:
Seasonal Allergy Treatments: Home Remedies
While research on the topic is mixed, you can try a few home remedies if you have spring allergies.
Reducing Your Exposure to Allergens
One of the most effective things you can do if you suffer from seasonal allergies is to reduce your exposure to allergens.
Check out Simply Medical to shop for allergy supplies and other healthcare products that are cost-effective and delivered right to your door.
Achoo! You’re sneezing, your nose is stuffy, and your eyes are watering. If it’s not a cold or other bug, it might be allergies. When people suffer from seasonal allergies, they are often experiencing a common type of chronic allergic reaction referred to as hay fever or allergic rhinitis.
Over 50 million Americans experience seasonal allergies each year—it’s very common. Even though it’s called “seasonal” allergies, allergic rhinitis can occur year-round, although many people find fall and spring to be the worst time period.
Common Allergy Symptoms
- Sneezing
- Runny nose
- Blocked nose
- Coughing
- Itchy throat
- Itchy, watery eyes
- Tiredness
- Headache
- Pollen
- Dust
- Pet Dander
- Mold
- Cockroaches
- Grass
Unfortunately, allergy symptoms typically last for as long as the allergen is in the air, or as long as you are exposed to the specific trigger. This could be several weeks or months, depending on the situation.
Why Do I Experience Allergy Symptoms?
Allergy symptoms occur when your body mistakes a harmless substance (such as plant pollen) as a threat and reacts accordingly for a dangerous invader. Your body produces a chemical called histamine to protect you, which is the source of many allergy symptoms such as sneezing and a stuffy nose.
Cities with the Worst Seasonal Allergy Problems
If you live in one of these cities, you might experience allergies more frequently and more severely. It’s nothing to worry about, but it is good to know—especially if you recently moved to one of these locations and are having more allergy flare-ups than before.
- Scranton, Pennsylvania
- Wichita, Kansas
- McAllen, Texas
- Richmond, Virginia
- San Antonio, Texas
- Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
- Hartford, Connecticut
- Buffalo, New York
- New Haven, Connecticut
- Albany, New York
These cities are ranked for being the least challenging places to live in terms of seasonal allergies.
- Fresno, California
- Phoenix, Arizona
- Provo, Utah
- Denver, Colorado
- Sacramento, California
- Portland, Oregon
- San Jose, California
- San Francisco, California
- Durham, North Carolina
- Seattle, Washington
There are a variety of medications available to help reduce the symptoms of seasonal allergies. Typical over-the-counter (OTC) medications include:
- Antihistamines combat itching, sneezing, and runny nose by reducing the amount of histamine circulating in your body.
- Decongestants work by constricting the blood vessels in your nose, reducing swelling and congestion.
- Combination drugs combine antihistamines and decongestants in one dose.
- OTC nasal sprays moisturize dry nasal passageways and thin out mucus, reducing congestion.
Seasonal Allergy Treatments: Home Remedies
While research on the topic is mixed, you can try a few home remedies if you have spring allergies.
- Butterbur herb may work as an antihistamine. Consult your local herbalist or an herbal how-to for instructions on preparation.
- Stinging nettle herb. Although its use hasn’t been scientifically validated, stinging nettle has a long history as a remedy for allergy symptoms.
- Quercetin. Available as a dietary supplement, this nutrient is reputed to block histamines.
Reducing Your Exposure to Allergens
One of the most effective things you can do if you suffer from seasonal allergies is to reduce your exposure to allergens.
- Check local pollen counts and stay indoors when pollen is high
- Keep your grass mowed
- Keep doors and windows closed and use an air filtration system or run your air conditioner
- Wash your hair daily, as it traps pollen
- Change clothes and shoes after spending time outdoors
- Vacuum floors often to remove pollen tracked or blown indoors
- If you do work outside in the garden, wear gloves to keep pollen and other irritants off your hands.
Check out Simply Medical to shop for allergy supplies and other healthcare products that are cost-effective and delivered right to your door.