Allergies & Medicines

Despite another freeze or two in the offing, springtime has already arrived for many tree pollen allergy sufferers. As the grasses, weeds and other pollens increase in the coming months I thought a brief review of treatment options might help. For those in your family suffering from some combination of itchy eyes, runny noses, sneezing and stuffy heads, (as well as fatigue) here is a brief review for what you can do for relief. Combination antihistamine-decongestant drugs (like Dimetapp) are most commonly used, but understanding their components is important. Antihistamines are best at relieving itching, nasal drip and drainage as well as sneezing. Non-prescription antihistamines work just as well as prescription drugs for this, but often cause drowsiness or excess drying. Some antihistamines (like Benadryl) can actually impair function as much as illegal levels of alcohol and can be dangerous when alertness is important. Bedtime doses work well for many people but Tavist and Claritin are two that usually don’t cause sedation. The advantage of prescription antihistamines is that they are usually only once a day and sedate less, but they cost more and require a doctor visit. Allegra, Clarinex, and Zyrtec are great examples.

Decongestants help shrink nasal stuffiness, blockage and pressure better than antihistamines, but usually do not help much with sneezing, itching and drainage. Pseudoephedrine (in Sudafed) is the most common and because it combats drowsiness is often mixed in combination with both prescription and nonprescription antihistamines. Any brand name with “D” after the name usually has a decongestant. Unfortunately, decongestants for some people MAY raise blood pressure and can cause irritability or trouble sleeping even when combined with an antihistamine. Reducing or eliminating the decongestants stops these effects. Taking decongestants only in the morning usually avoids insomnia, but people vary greatly on how it affects them. You can take decongestants and antihistamines separately or together, or alternate them between morning and night. You just have to see what works best for you and ask your pharmacist or doctor for help if you are not satisfied. Just don’t double dose yourself with 2 pills at the same time that have the same thing!

Reducing pollen exposure by staying inside on dry, windy days when lots of pollen is in the air can also help. Reducing pollen (plus mold and contagious germs) inside can be accomplished with air filters. True HEPA filters are the best. The Whirlpool Whispure filter is a good local option or you can find great reviews and help at the internet sites www.allergybuyersclub.com and www.consumersearch.com (search “air purifier”). Washing your nose out once or twice daily with ¼ teaspoon of salt and six ounces of warm water (preferably distilled water without chlorine) with a water pic or bulb syringe works great and especially after mowing grass! Vitamins, exercise and a good night’s rest also will strengthen the body’s resistance to allergies.

If problems persist, see your doctor. Nothing helps much if you need an antibiotic for sinus infection, and additional treatments such as steroid nasal sprays and/or allergy testing and treatment work phenomenally well. Have a happy spring!

P.S. If you are coming down with a viral cold, non-prescription Zicam zinc nasal cold spray can shorten both duration and severity if started early.