If you suffer from allergy problems, you know how hard it can make your day. You wake up with a stuffy nose, watery eyes, and a ton of sinus congestion. While there is no surefire way to avoid these nagging symptoms, it does help to know a little more about what causes these issues. Here is everything you need to know about allergy season:
1. When is the Worst Time for Allergies?
Each person is different when it comes to their allergy triggers, so this question can be hard to answer. In most cases, allergy season runs from February to November. The reason for this is that it is the prime time for nature's growth. The springtime brings blooming flowers that are beautiful to look at, but they also bring higher pollen counts that can make allergy symptoms worse. Also, you may notice you have a hard time controlling your allergies in summer when grass and trees are most often cut, which releases allergens into the air.
2. What Causes Allergies?
Again, this is hard because people react differently to allergens. However, one thing we do know is that nasal allergies are the result of something irritating your nasal passages. Some of the most common irritants include pet dander, flowers releasing pollen, mold, freshly cut grass, and dust. If you notice your allergy symptoms get worse in the spring, it is most likely due to something that is blooming outside. It is also important to keep your house and carpets clean to avoid dust buildup that can leave you sneezing all day and night.
3. What Are the Most Common Allergy Symptoms?
When you are exposed to allergens, you are more likely to have a hard time controlling your allergies. Those who suffer from these problems experience an overreaction in their nasal passages, which can lead to a runny nose, coughing, sneezing, a scratchy throat, nasal congestion, and sinus pressure. Sometimes it can be hard to differentiate between allergy symptoms and illness, so it’s best to visit your doctor if symptoms last for multiple days and allergy medicine is not effective.
Which Medications Are Best to Improve Nasal Health?
Our Nashville pharmacy has a ton of products available that can help you make it through allergy season. Using a saline rinse, such as Neti-pot, will help to unclog your nasal passages making it easier to breathe. We also have a variety of over-the-counter allergy medications, including Allegra, Zyrtec, and Benadryl. If you can’t seem to get your nose to stop running, decongestants such as Sudafed and Phenylephrine are a great help. If you have questions about which medications are right for you, talk to one of our pharmacists who can help you fight against even the worse allergy symptoms.
If you are someone who dreads allergy season, be sure to learn more about nasal health so you are prepared for next spring and summer. If you ever feel ill, we also provide Point-of-Care Testing at our neighborhood pharmacy so you don’t have to wait for hours or even days to see your primary care doctor. This is just one of the many services we offer to care for our customers!
