Allergy Relief
Wednesday, March 19, 2008Whether they make you ache, sniffle or break out, allergies are just no fun. In today’s 60 Second Housecall, Dr. Ken Davis discusses some treatment strategies to bring relief to allergy sufferers.
From spring through fall, different allergens can make you sneeze, cough, have itchy eyes or feel congested. So how can you avoid exposure to outdoor allergens?
Pay attention to the times of day and seasons when your allergies are at their worst. Tree and grass pollen, ragweed and mold spores often cause discomfort. It’s best to stay indoors when the counts are high, so check the allergen reports on television and in the newspaper.
To treat your allergies, try nonprescription antihistamines and decongestants, anti-inflammatory nasal sprays and prescription nasal corticosteroid sprays. These can help relieve allergy symptoms.
Remember, you should not use over-the-counter or prescription nasal sprays or drops for more than a few days because they may prolong your symptoms.
When allergies don't respond to medication — or the medication side effects are intolerable — allergy shots may offer the best relief.
Your doctor can help you determine which allergy treatment strategy is right for you.
For North Mississippi Medical Center, I’m Dr. Ken Davis.