Treat Allergies Promptly

How to treat pollen allergies?

Greenville is among the key pollen centers in the nation. So, treating allergies here can be a challenge.

If you have mild or no problem with pollen, you can be congratulated.  Then, there are those who have moderate allergies, but if the common antihistamines adequately control your condition, you can also be congratulated.

Then, there are the rest of us who struggle arduously with treating our allergies for various reasons.  We have complicating conditions that make it more difficult to treat our allergies.

These conditions include asthma, advanced age, sinusitis, overweight, sleep deprivation, and others.

So, what can we do to combat allergies?

When possible, stay indoors. Check the air quality, and pick brief excursions under more ideal conditions.

Start antihistamine treatments before the start of the pollen season.

Keep outdoor ventures to a minimum and wear protective clothing like hats, sunshades, and long sleeves. Remove pollen-polluted garments as soon as you return indoors.  Wash your hands, head, and face. Then, use a non-prescription salt nasal rinse and nasal spray first, followed by a prescription nasal rinse and spray if you need stronger medication.

Prescription nasal sprays that combine an antihistamine with a steroid include azelastine and fluticasone (Dymista) and mometasone and olopatadine (Ryaltris).

Open your windows when pollen is reduced or absent.

• Nonprescription eye drops include olopatadine (Pataday, Patanol) and ketotifen (Alaway, Zaditor).

Allergy Shots

And in extreme cases, you can get injections from a doctor.

You don’t have to suffer endlessly.  There are various treatments available. Find your sweet spot and enjoy relief from annoying allergies.

Early treatment is wise

Untreated allergies have caused ear, eye, and brain infections. Please don’t procrastinate. Act wisely before the pollen season starts. Upgrade treatment as warranted.  Don’t delay seeing a doctor until your vital organs are at risk.

In South Carolina, pollen season, which is dominated by tree pollen in the spring, typically starts in late February and can continue until early to mid-May, with a shift to grass and weed pollen in the summer and fall.

With forethought  and a good regimen, you can successfully treat your allergies without having to move to the deserts of Arizona.

Take reasonable precautions, and enjoy Spring to the full.