Itchy? Sneezy? Watery Eyes? Onondaga Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing on How to Beat Allergy Season
Summertime in Central New York is certainly enjoyable, as people of all ages head outside to enjoy our area’s natural beauty and pleasant temperatures.
However, pollen, grasses, and weeds wreak havoc on many people allergic to those parts of the outdoors.
Onondaga Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing wants to help you get a handle on your allergies by helping you identify what you may be allergic to, and how you can get it symptoms under control.
When are You Suffering the Most?
If you’re experiencing symptoms — sneezing, runny nose, mucus in the throat, and watery eyes — in the spring, it’s likely that tree pollen is bothering you. Allergies to grasses are highest in late spring and early summer, while weeds (like ragweed) cause the most problems in the late summer and early fall.
Over-the-Counter Medications are Usually Successful
For most people, taking a daily antihistamine like Claritin, Zyrtec, or Allegra usually allows symptoms to get under control and remain at bay if the medicine is continued to be taken regularly. Nasal sprays like Flonase and Nasonex are also generally successful. People also have success combating especially difficult days with either a nasal decongestant or mucus relief medication like Mucinex.
See Your Doctor if You Still Have Trouble
Your doctor can refer you to an allergist or ear, nose, and throat physician to help determine the root of your symptoms (through a blood or skin test) and issue stronger prescription medication to provide relief.
In severe cases, a person can receive allergy shots — also known as immunotherapy. These shots allow the body to build up a tolerance and resistance to specific allergens. It may take a few years, but allergy sufferers often see their symptoms reduce significantly and even disappear.
To learn more about Onondaga Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing and all of the services they offer, visit https://centershealthcare.com/onondaga_center/.
