According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, this year will only bring average seasonal allergies to Raleigh and the surrounding area. Of course, if you are allergic to tree pollen, spring in North Carolina is always a challenge due to the number of trees that grow well in this climate.
A couple of years ago, we asked Dr. Allen Marshall with Wake Specialty Physicians Ear, Nose and Throat to help us understand what allergens and what we can do to prevent or treat a reaction. Here is an excerpt from his blog.
To control symptoms associated with nasal allergies, try using saline nasal sprays and neti pots. They actually wash allergens and the reactive mucus out of the nose. The salt has the added benefit of drawing fluid out of the nose.
Dry, itchy eyes can also be combated with lubricating eye drops. Since all these solutions contain no medications, they can be used frequently as needed throughout the day.
Various over the counter oral antihistamines are also a very effective way to combat allergies and the associated nasal congestion. (Antihistamines that contain decongestants may impact blood pressure, so those with known high blood pressure should check with a physician before taking these medications regularly.)
There are also several prescription allergy medicines that are quite effective, including oral antihistamines and topical nasal steroid or antihistamine sprays.
If you are an allergy sufferer, just be thankful you don’t live in 2013’s #1 ranked Jackson, Mississippi.
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