When It’s Time For Allergy Season

By Harvey Warner

Seasonal allergies usually starts in the spring and can last through the first frost and almost 40 million Americans face them. They’re often triggered by pollens, molds or other airborne allergens. According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, Americans spend as much as $4.5 billion annually on medications and doctor visits to treat their allergies.

Reducing exposure to specific allergens would be the first step in the treatment. If that’s not possible, then you can try to manage your symptoms through medication.

Try to follow these tips in order to help you control your allergies.

Do You Know Your Triggers? To avoid an allergen, you need to know what it is. Physicians can determine what you’re allergic to by reviewing your personal and medical history or doing a physical exam. There have been cases where a skin, patch, or blood test may be used in order to confirm suspected allergens.

How to Create a Sneeze-free Environment. Having a few changes at home can really make a difference. Whenever possible, use an air conditioner, make your home dust mite unfriendly by vacuuming often, check pollen counts before you go out, and use hypoallergenic products. If they’re high, stay inside.

Find the Right Remedy. Antihistamines reduce symptoms and work best if taken before exposure to allergens. Because decongestants can worsen the condition, they should only be used for a short time. Nasal sprays, known as inhaled steroids, are another option.

Knowing the OTC Options. Over-the-counter medications may be recommended by doctors as a first-line treatment. For years, those that include diphenhydramine has been an allergy staple but it can also cause drowsiness. Claritin or other newer non-sedating antihistamines are also now available without a prescription. OTCs are usually far less expensive than prescription drugs and are now covered under pretax health care accounts, such as FSAs and HSAs.

Consider Generics. They can be as effective as brand-name medications and cost 30 to 80 percent less. Now available as generics-fexofenadine and fluticasone are the popular allergy medications Allegra and Flonase. According to a recent Medco analysis, within 30 days of its introduction, about 80% of all Allegra prescriptions were filled with a generic at retail pharmacies.

Don’t forget to discuss the options with your doctor. With the right knowledge and treatments, you can spend more time outside and less time concerned about watery eyes, a runny nose and the cost of medication.

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Topics: Allergies/Asthma | Comments Off

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