Spring allergy season has hit early this year.  I’ve already seen a lot of patients with symptoms from pollen.  They have what is called Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis.

If you have lived in Georgia for any length of time you probably know what this is: runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, congestion, itching eyes, cough and sometimes fatigue and irritability.

Seasonal allergies are prevalent in Georgia mainly because the pollen counts are so high from hardwoods in the Spring and grasses and weeds in the Summer and Fall.

If you struggle with seasonal allergies, there are a few things you can try before you go to the doctor.

• Dust and vacuum frequently so that you remove sources of pollen in your home.
• Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter.
• Keep your AC ducts and filters clean.
• Keep your windows and doors closed.
• When you come in from outdoor activity, change your clothes and take a shower.

If you need medications, you can purchase many of them over-the-counter (OTC).  The best is probably a glucocorticoid nasal spray like Flonase or Rhinocort.  These work very well for most people and if used consistently throughout allergy season they may be all you need.  If the nasal sprays don’t help enough, add a once daily non-sedating antihistamine which you can also buy OTC like Zyrtec, Claritin or Allegra.  Saline nasal sprays or gentle use of a Neti Pot can also help.

If these remedies don’t give you relief then a visit to your doctor can help because something else may be causing your symptoms like an infection or other non-allergic causes.

If you don’t have a doctor, contact us and we’ll be glad to help!