MONTHLY OBSERVANCES

Find relief from seasonal allergies

Spring for many of us means the start of allergy season, as plants begin to release pollens into the air. Hay fever, otherwise known as allergic rhinitis, can cause itchy, watery eyes, stuffy nose and sneezing. But there are treatments that may offer relief.

Over-the-counter and prescription medicines can come in pill, liquid or nasal spray form. They include:

• Antihistamines, which may relieve sneezing and itching in the nose and eyes

• Decongestants that help shrink the lining of nasal passages to relieve stuffiness

• Nasal corticosteroid sprays

designed to reduce inflammation in the nose and block allergic reactions

• Leukotriene receptor

antagonists that can block certain chemicals involved in allergic reactions

• Cromolyn sodium sprays

that block the release of chemicals that cause allergy symptoms

If your symptoms are not reduced by these medicines, you may be a candidate for immunotherapy. Allergy shots and sublingual (beneath the tongue) tablets may be used as a long-term treatment to change your body’s immune response to allergens.

HEALTH OBSERVANCES FOR SPRING

APRIL

• Alcohol awareness • Distracted driving • Organ donation

MAY

• Asthma and allergies • Mental health • Skin cancer detection and prevention • Women's health

JUNE

• Cancer survivors • Men's health • Personal safety

LEARN MORE

Talk to your health care provider about what treatment options might be right for you.