Symptoms of seasonal allergies

Spring is in the air. As we embrace this new time of year, we also escort in the challenges of seasonal allergies.

Each and every year, more than 35 million Americans suffer from seasonal allergic rhinitis, also known as hay fever. Seasonal allergies are an effect to triggers released into the air during a certain time period, such as spring or fall.

The Symptoms of seasonal allergies consist of sneezing, runny nose, itchy or watery eyes, itchy nose, coughing and post-nasal drip. Some patients report having only one or two symptoms; in some cases, it might be complicated to tell the difference between allergies and a cold because symptoms are similar.

Airborne pollen is the most frequent cause and the biggest trigger of seasonal allergies. Pollen grains released from grass plants and promising trees can travel through the air for miles. An affected by reaction is triggered when pollen is inhaled through the nose or lands in the eye or on the skin.

Specifically oak, elm, birch, ash, hickory, poplar, sycamore, maple, cypress and walnut — grasses as well as weeds. It is tremendously difficult to avoid exposure to pollen when it is present in the air. However, there are some steps you can take to reduce your exposure:

Keep your windows closed to decrease the amount of pollen coming into your home. Frequently clean the air filters inside your home and vacuum twice a week. An air cleanser can help to minimize pollen as well.

• Maximum early morning activities — ideally between 5 and 10 a.m. — when pollen is generally at its highest level.

• Keep car windows up even as traveling.

• Stay indoors on windy days or when pollen counts are enormously high. The pollen count is measured in most areas and is typically reported during a local climate forecast.

• Wash your hair after out-of-doors exposure to pollen.

• Avoid mowing the grass or being external when neighbors are doing yard work.

• Dry bedcovers and clothing in clothes dryer. Pollen can stick on to laundry if it is hung outside to dry.

• If you take a holiday when pollen counts are high, go to a reduced pollen area such as the beach.

Even though some allergy remedies are accessible without a prescription, it is recommended that you talk with your doctor first to make sure you select the most appropriate medication. Your doctor may recommend taking an over-the- counter medication such as an antihistamine to reduce sneezing, a decongestant to relieve congestion and swelling of nasal passages, or eye drops to relieve itchy, watery eyes.

If the over-the-counter remedies do not decrease your allergy symptoms, your doctor may suggest a visit to an allergist for a prescription medication or allergy shots.