Did you know that Spring allergens can begin making themselves known in some areas of the US as early as February? And that’s not just Florida or California; it can even occur in the Northeast.
If you suffer from seasonal Spring-time allergies, March may be the beginning of a few uncomfortable weeks. So, it’s time to start preparing for the worst of it and make sure allergy season doesn’t get a jump on you.
Talk to Your Doctor
The first thing to do to combat allergies is talk to your doctor. If you suffer from allergies, your doctor may be able to help you identify what it is you’re allergic to. They may send you to an allergist who can perform tests to find what triggers your allergies.
If you have year-round allergies, you may be allergic to dust mites or pet dander. But if you only suffer from allergies at certain times of the year, specific plant pollen may be to blame.
Once you know your allergen, it makes it much easier to avoid or prepare for possible exposure.
Limit Exposure
Once you know what you’re allergic to, you can change your lifestyle as best as you can to avoid those triggers. This can be simple changes, like using the air conditioner in your car as opposed to rolling down the window or getting a gym membership and running on the treadmill instead of outdoors.
It’s also a good idea to take a look at the allergen count in your area. Some weather apps for your phone may have this information. And bear in mind that pollen can travel for miles.
You may want to keep indoors as much as possible on days when the pollen count is very high.
Take Your Meds
Prime allergy season usually begins in April but starting to take allergy medication earlier can help you ease your symptoms later. If you take allergy medication regularly, taking it early can help you in the long run, making your symptoms less noticeable or nonexistent. Just talk to your doctor about what medications may work best for you. And keep in mind that some antihistamines can cause drowsiness.
Ask Your Doctor About Other Options
Of course, if it seems like OTC medications are not working for you, you may want to talk to your doctor about possible prescriptions options, or even immunotherapy treatments that can help you get rid of your allergies.
These immunotherapy treatments are given to you over the course of months to years, exposing you to the allergen a little at a time, almost like a vaccine. Eventually, your body should stop responding to the allergen.
Save on Your Prescriptions
If you’re trying to save money on your prescription allergy medications, such as Zyrtec or Allegra, RxLess can help. Search our site for your medication and find the free offer associated with your pharmacy!
