Seasonal allergies, also known as hay fever, refers to the occurrence of allergic rhinitis at a particular time of year. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 25 percent of adults and 19 percent of children in the U.S. have seasonal allergies. Allergies occur when your immune system reacts to an allergen such as pollen, dust, mold, etc. Your immune system responds by trying to fight allergens off like germs, and this response causes symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, sinus pressure, headache, sore throat, and others. These symptoms can be irritating and unpleasant, so keep reading to find out how to treat seasonal allergies to keep your symptoms at bay.

1. Avoidance

If you want to know how to treat seasonal allergies, the best place to start is avoiding your allergy triggers. When possible, use the air conditioner in your home instead of opening windows to keep outdoor allergens out of your indoor air. Install HEPA filters on your air conditioner and air purifier and replace them regularly to help remove allergens from the air. If you’re allergic to pollen, try to limit the time you spend outdoors on days when pollen counts are high. If you need to spend time outside, wear a face mask and sunglasses to keep particles out of your eyes, nose, and mouth. Aim to do outdoor chores and activities on days after a heavy rain, as rain washes pollen out of the air.

2. Nasal Irrigation

Use a nasal irrigation kit such as a neti pot to rinse your sinuses with a saline solution. This is a quick, effective, and inexpensive way to treat seasonal allergies. Nasal irrigation flushes allergens out of your nasal passages before they can cause an immune response and irritating symptoms. If you are already experiencing symptoms like congestion, a nasal rinse can also flush out mucus to make it easier to breathe and reduce sinus pressure. You can make a saline solution at home using a cup of warm, sterile water mixed with half a teaspoon of salt. Lean your head over a sink and use the neti pot to pour the solution into your nose one nostril at a time.

3. Hydration

An important tip on how to treat seasonal allergies is to stay well hydrated. Drinking plenty of fluids helps to thin and loosen mucus to unblock your sinuses, providing relief from congestion and other allergy symptoms. Staying hydrated also helps keep your nasal passages moist to minimize inflammation and irritation. If you’re experiencing a sore throat or cough as allergy symptoms, try drinking warm liquids such as herbal tea and broth. The warmth will soothe these symptoms while simultaneously providing your body with much-needed hydration.

4. Antihistamines and Nasal Sprays

An effective way to treat seasonal allergies is taking oral antihistamines. Histamines are chemicals that are released in response to allergens, and it’s these chemicals that cause symptoms like a stuffy or runny nose, watery eyes, sneezing, and itching. Antihistamines block the release of histamines to help relieve your symptoms. Examples of oral antihistamines include Allegra, Zyrtec, and Claritin. Another great remedy for seasonal allergies is a steroid nasal spray. These sprays help improve nasal symptoms and are considered safe for long-term use. Examples of over-the-counter steroid nasal sprays include Flonase, Nasacort, and Rhinocort. Steroid nasal sprays are often the first recommended treatment before trying other allergy medications.

5. Supplements

There are a number of alternative methods for how to treat seasonal allergies, including natural supplements. For example, taking vitamin C can help relieve allergy symptoms because it has both antihistamine and antioxidant properties. Another natural allergy remedy is quercetin, which is a flavonoid found in plants that may help prevent immune cells from releasing antihistamines. Probiotics support a healthy gut, which in turn supports a healthy immune response. Spirulina, butterbur, and chamomile are other natural remedies that may help reduce some of your allergy symptoms.

Do you have questions about how to treat seasonal allergies or want to learn more about the best medications and supplements to take? Our expert pharmacy team will be happy to answer your questions and provide recommendations to help you keep your symptoms in check. Please reach out to us at Village Discount Drugs so we can help you take control of your health and wellness!