Spring allergies affect roughly 25 million Americans and there's one clear culprit for them — pollen. Seasonal allergies are the body’s response to the millions of grains of pollen floating on the wind every spring. By mistaking pollen as a threat, your body triggers an inflammatory response, leading to annoying symptoms like itchy eyes or a runny nose. This is allergic rhinitis, which is sometimes more generally referred to as seasonal allergies or "hay fever."
Common symptoms of allergic rhinitis are similar to a cold and can include:
sneezing
itchy nose
runny nose
congestion
itchy, red and/or watery eyes
cough
Spring seasonal allergies are incredibly common and are usually self-diagnosed and self-treatable. Unfortunately, they are also usually chronic and can last for years or your entire life. We don’t really have answers as to why some people suffer and some don’t, but genetics likely play a part and having a parent with a pollen allergy makes it more likely you'll have one as well.
While we still don't have a cure for allergic rhinitis, there are medicines you can take to minimize symptoms. Over the counter medications like antihistamines and nasal sprays can help reduce symptoms, and prescription meds like steroid sprays and shots can sometimes even help prevent allergy onset if taken regularly. All that being said, the most effective strategy is simply to limit your exposure to the outdoors and keep your windows closed on the highest-pollen days. If you do spend time outside, wash your hair before you lay down to sleep to prevent transferring pollen to your pillowcase
Talk to your healthcare provider and/or pharmacist to see what they recommend to help with your seasonal allergies. They can give you the best recommendations for medications and treatments to help reduce symptoms.
About RevanRx
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