| Seasonal Allergies | | | | at dusk. Also, keep the windows to your house and |
| May month is considered as Asthma and Allergy | | | | car closed at all times to keep the pollen outside. |
| Awareness Month. Many of you whose allergies | | | | When you do go outside, make sure to wear |
| cause you to dread the end of winter, that's | | | | sunglasses or other protective eyewear that keeps |
| probably no surprise. This spring has already been | | | | the pollen from getting in your eyes If you're doing |
| labeled as one of the worst allergy seasons in | | | | your best to avoid pollen but still have itchy red |
| decades, with many experts predicting it to be the | | | | eyes, head to the pharmacy for some |
| worst ever. What's going on? Some scientists are | | | | over-the-counter eye drops. To avoid this rebound |
| blaming this especially virulent allergy season on global | | | | effect, steer clear of any eye drops that include a |
| warming. Plants need warmth and carbon dioxide to | | | | decongestant, and go for a brand whose active |
| grow, both of which are becoming more and more | | | | ingredient is ketotifen. |
| abundant with each passing year. In addition, spring | | | | Trouble In Sleeping |
| came late this year. In parts of the country, the | | | | Target and treat the symptom that's keeping you |
| weather went from snowy to balmy in the span of | | | | awake. For most people, the culprit is usually nasal |
| two weeks. So if you suffer from hay fever, be | | | | congestion. To treat allergy-related nasal congestion, |
| prepared. We come up with a few excellent tips on | | | | pseudoephedrine or an antihistamine that includes a |
| how to fight off seasonal allergies so you can get | | | | decongestant. And, of course, make sure your |
| outside and enjoy the spring sunshine. | | | | bedroom is relaxing, and do everything you can to |
| | | | unwind before bedtime. |
| Flush out excess mucus from your nose and sinuses. | | | | Constant lack of energy, stuffy head, clogged ears |
| For mild symptoms, simply steaming your face, | | | | Fight back; get more help. For some people, allergy |
| drinking hot peppermint or chamomile tea, or taking a | | | | symptoms dominate their daily lives. If |
| long, hot shower can help. For more tenacious sinus | | | | over-the-counter and home remedies aren't working, |
| trouble. Second-generation antihistamines, such as | | | | go visit your healthcare provider ASAP. Sure, nobody |
| loratadine and cetirizine, both of which are | | | | dies of seasonal allergies, Untreated allergies can lead |
| non-sedating and long-lasting. Visit your local | | | | to sleep apnea, chronic sinus problems, recurrent ear |
| pharmacy to learn more. | | | | problems (especially in children), loss of sleep, and |
| Cough, More Cough | | | | asthma. Your doctor can prescribe stronger |
| Don't ignore; it could be more serious that allergies. | | | | medication or recommend immunotherapy. Usually a |
| Home remedies, like hot tea and cough drops, can | | | | last resort, immunotherapy involves getting weekly |
| help mild coughs and sore throats. | | | | shots that immunize you from what you're allergic to. |
| If you're coughing nonstop and wheezing like you | | | | It can be highly effective for people suffering |
| just ran a marathon (even though you're sitting at | | | | debilitating seasonal allergy symptoms. |
| your desk), it's possible that you're having mild | | | | The good news is that while this year's allergy |
| asthma attacks. It's so important, in fact, that the | | | | season may be severe, that same intensity and high |
| American College of Allergy, Asthma, and | | | | concentration of pollen all at once means that the |
| Immunology offers free asthma screenings | | | | season will probably be shorter than usual. After all, |
| nationwide during the month of May. So if you're | | | | trees and flowers can't pollinate forever. To get |
| experiencing really bad lung-related symptoms, | | | | more information about Allergy and Asthma |
| Itchy, Red Eyes and a Scratchy Throat | | | | Awareness Month, including awareness events near |
| Avoid pollen as best you can. Try staying indoors | | | | you. |
| when pollen is the highest. Between 6 and 9 a.m. and | | | | |