Spring is in the air, and thoughts are turning to warmer days and outdoor activities. However, if you are among the 25% of Americans who suffer from seasonal allergies, Spring can be a miserable time filled with irritating symptoms like watery eyes, runny noses, and itchy throats! The good news is that your local drug store in Powell, TN, can help you find the best allergy medications to soothe your symptoms. Your pharmacist can also offer advice on how best to minimize your discomfort during allergy season.
What Are Seasonal Allergies?
Seasonal allergies, also known as allergic rhinitis or hay fever, happen when the immune system reacts strongly to outdoor allergens such as pollen and indoor allergens like mold, dust, and pet dander. It is more common in Spring and Summer, but some people will experience symptoms all year round as different plants emit pollen at different times. The most common symptoms associated with seasonal allergies include:
- Sneezing
- Runny or Stuffy Nose
- Watery or Itchy Eyes
- Irritation of the Sinuses, Throat, or Ear Canals
- Ear Congestion
- Post Nasal Drainage
In more severe cases, sufferers may also experience headaches, shortness of breath, coughing, and wheezing. If you suffer from asthma and seasonal allergies, your symptoms may trigger an asthma attack. Most seasonal allergy sufferers can get relief using over-the-counter medications from their local drug store in Powell, TN. It is also helpful to try to avoid known triggers wherever possible.
Avoid Exposure to High Pollen Counts
Throughout the Spring and summer, you should remember to check the pollen count each morning. If the forecast is high, try to avoid going outdoors unless you absolutely have to. If you are staying indoors, be sure to close your windows and doors to help keep pollen from getting inside. When you have to go outside, wearing sunglasses can help keep pollen out of your eyes. You may also want to consider wearing an N95 mask to protect your nose and throat from allergens. You should be able to purchase these from a drug store in Powell, TN.
Clean Off Pollen Residue After Being Outdoors
If you cannot avoid being outdoors when the pollen count is particularly high, removing pollen residue when you come back inside is helpful. That means taking a shower and changing into clean clothes. It is also a good idea to use a saline nasal rinse to clean any allergens that may be lingering in your nose. These are readily available over the counter from any drug store in Powell, TN.
Invest in Quality Air Filters
If you have an HVAC installed in your home, use a good-quality HEPA filter to trap pollen, dust, and other potential allergens and prevent them from entering the air you breathe. Your filters should be cleaned or replaced on a regular basis to maintain great indoor air quality and to help your HVAC run more efficiently.
Get to Know Your Allergy Triggers
While pollen is the most common culprit for seasonal allergies, other allergens can trigger symptoms in some sufferers. These include dust mites, mold, and pet dander. It is important to know what triggers your allergies so that you will have a better chance of avoiding them where possible. If you are having difficulty pinpointing your triggers or if you just want confirmation of your specific allergies, working with a certified allergist will remove the guesswork and help you develop an appropriate treatment plan.
Finding The Right Medication
If you are suffering from seasonal allergies, it is important that you find the most appropriate medication to relieve your symptoms. If your medication is not working, it is important to try some other options. For example, some people do well with a daily dose of antihistamines, but a nasal spray is more effective for others. You will find a wide variety of over-the-counter allergy medications at your local drug store in Powell, TN. Consider allergen immunotherapy to alleviate the symptoms in severe cases, especially if pollen and grass are your main triggers.
Talk to Your Doctor
While most seasonal allergy sufferers are able to manage their own care with support from their local drug store in Powell, TN, others may find that over-the-counter options and preventative steps are not quite cutting it. If you are unable to find relief from your symptoms, the next step is to consult with your doctor to develop a more robust treatment plan.
If you need advice about allergy medications to treat your seasonal allergies this Spring, don’t hesitate to visit your local drug store in Powell, TN, to consult one of our friendly pharmacists.
Your Hometown Pharmacy Since 1966
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Vaughn Pharmacy is a local, family-owned pharmacy serving the community in Powell, TN. Specializing in providing personalized and attentive prescription programs to our patients, we believe you are more than just a number – you’re part of our family!
(865) 947-1581