Flowers and trees bud in spring, and allergies are also in full bloom. Allergies can be more than annoying— they can disrupt everyday activities and even lead to painful sinus and ear infections.

Take Steps to Avoid Pollen
In springtime, the source of allergy problems is typically pollen from grasses, trees, weeds, and flowering plants. You can’t avoid airborne pollen completely, but you can lessen your exposure. Take steps to shut drifting pollen out of your home and car by keeping windows and doors closed. An air conditioner can help filter and dry the air you breathe. It’s also helpful to know when it’s safest to go outside. Check pollen counts in the newspaper, on the TV news, or on the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Web site at www.aaaai.org. Limit your time outdoors when pollen counts are high—especially on dry, windy days.

Which Medicine Is Right for You?
Taming annoying allergy symptoms with medicine is easier once you know the types of allergy drugs available. Talk with your doctor to see which of these medicines may help.

• Antihistamines. These relieve sneezing, runny nose, itchiness, and rashes. Ask about brands that won’t make you sleepy for daytime use.
• Decongestants. These shrink swollen nasal tissues so that you can breathe easier. They’re available in pills, nose drops, and nasal sprays.
• Antihistamines/decongestants. These combine the benefits of two medicines in a single product.
• Corticosteroid and cromolyn sodium nose sprays. These are used to reduce nasal swelling.
• Allergy eyedrops. Various formulas are available to relieve itching, redness, and tearing.
• Allergy shots. These are a series of regular injections given for three to five years to help reduce your immune system’s reaction to allergens.

Tips for Staying Sneeze-Free
Did you know that your clothes can collect pollen when you hang them outside to dry? Use a dryer instead. For more allergy relief tips, visit our Web site at www.paramounthealthcare.com, click on “Better Health for Life,” the letter “A” at the top of the page, “Allergies,” and scroll down to the self-care section.