This week's focus: Seasonal Allergy Relief

Note: This brochure discusses diet and lifestyle changes that published research has shown may support allergy treatment. Talk to your healthcare provider to learn more about your options and before making changes to your everyday nutrition and self-care practices.

Overview

Sniffling, sneezing, and wheezing? It must be pollen season. Hay fever, a seasonal allergy sometimes referred to as allergic rhinitis, is a condition triggered by the immune system's response to inhalant substances, such as pollens. Researchers have yet to clearly understand why some people's immune systems overreact to exposure to pollens while other people do not suffer from this problem.

Hay fever treatment focuses on controlling a person's exposure to allergens, and using antihistamines and other therapies to prevent allergic reactions and to relieve uncomfortable symptoms such as sneezing, watery eyes, and runny nose, and nasal congestion.

Symptoms
Symptoms of hay fever are partly a result of inflammation activated by the immune system. Inhaled allergens trigger sneezing and inflammation of the nose and mucous membranes (conjunctiva) of the eyes. The nose, roof of the mouth, eyes, and throat may begin to itch gradually or abruptly, followed by tearing, sneezing, and clear, watery nasal discharge. Headaches and irritability may also occur.

Get a Jumpstart on Your Hay Fever
Symptoms of hay fever are partly a result of inflammation activated by the immune system. Inhaled allergens trigger sneezing and inflammation of the nose and mucous membranes (conjunctiva) of the eyes. The nose, roof of the mouth, eyes, and throat may begin to itch gradually or abruptly, followed by tearing, sneezing, and clear, watery nasal discharge. Headaches and irritability may also occur. Taking once-a-day antihistamines and nasal steroid sprays at least a week before spring and fall allergy seasons are set to start could put you ahead of the game, says Marjorie Slankard, professor of medicine at the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York City. For example, in many parts of the country, ragweed season starts in mid-August, so you'd want to start your medication around the second week. "Once you start taking antihistamines, there's a maximum buildup by day five to seven." says Dr. Slankard.

Take your allergy medicine every day
Keeping your dose of medicine constant will help relieve allergy symptoms, so be sure to take it every day.

• If your symptoms are worse in the morning, take your medicine at night so it has time to build up in your body and be effective when you most need it.
  
• Even though you can take allergy medicines at any time of day, taking them at bedtime is also a good idea if they cause sleepiness (ask your doctor or pharmacist if yours does).
  

Keep your medicine on hand

• Remember to stock up on your over-the-counter medications and be sure to renew and refill prescriptions on time so you always have your medicine when you need it.
  
• Think ahead when you're planning vacations or business trips and have prescriptions renewed or refilled beforehand, or be sure to carry your prescription and insurance information with you. Also, travel with your over-the-counter quick-relief medications, especially if you are going to a destination that may have different weather and other conditions that affect your reactions.
• Ask your doctor and pharmacist the easiest way to renew and refill prescriptions, and mark your calendar.

Simple steps for symptom relief
Medicines are important, but keep these points in mind for more relief:

• Over-the-counter saline (salt water) sprays may help relieve a stuffy nose
• Many people find relief using herbal remedies and nutritional supplements
• Sharing other people's allergy relief products is never a good idea
• Using air conditioning, instead of opening windows, and using an air filter during allergy season can help keep pollen out
• Showering before bed will allow you to sleep pollen-free

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Disclaimer: The information in this page was prepared by Aisle7 for educational purposes only; it is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Health claims are based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications, diet, or exercise habits. Aisle7, Walmart, and Pierce Promotions make no representations concerning the information contained in this article and disclaim any liability for such information and the decisions you make based on such information.