Managing Pollen Allergies: Your Complete Guide to Seasonal Relief

As the seasons change, many of us look forward to warmer weather and blooming flowers. However, for those who suffer from pollen allergies, this time of year can bring uncomfortable symptoms that interfere with daily life.

Understanding Pollen Allergies

An allergy is an immune response, or reaction, to substances (allergens) that are usually not harmful. In someone with allergies, the immune response is oversensitive. When it recognizes an allergen, the immune system launches a response. Chemicals such as histamines are released. These chemicals cause allergy symptoms.

Pollen allergies, also known as hay fever or seasonal allergic rhinitis, occur when your immune system overreacts to pollen particles in the air. Common symptoms include:

• Sneezing and runny nose
• Itchy, watery eyes
• Nasal congestion
• Scratchy throat
• Fatigue from poor sleep

Types of Pollen and Peak Seasons

Different plants release pollen at various times throughout the year:

• Tree pollen: Typically peaks in spring (March-May)
• Grass pollen: Most common in late spring and early summer (May-July)
• Weed pollen: Usually highest in late summer and fall (August-October)

What are Antihistamines?

One type of medicine that helps relieve allergy symptoms is an antihistamine. Antihistamines are medicines that treat allergy symptoms by blocking the effects of histamine. Antihistamines come as pills, chewable tablets, capsules, liquids, nasal sprays, and eye drops. There are also injectable forms used mainly in health care settings.

How Antihistamines Help

Antihistamines treat these allergy symptoms:

• Congestion, runny nose, sneezing, or itching
• Swelling of the nasal passages
• Hives and other skin rashes
• Itchy, runny eyes

Treating symptoms can help you or your child to feel better during the day and sleep better at night.

How to Take Antihistamines

Depending on your symptoms, you can take antihistamines:

• Every day, to help keep daily symptoms under control
• Only when you have symptoms
• Before being exposed to things that often cause your allergy symptoms, such as a pet or certain plants

For many people with allergies, symptoms are the worst around 4 a.m. to 6 a.m. Taking an antihistamine at bedtime may help you or your child feel better in the morning during allergy season.

What Antihistamine is Right for You?

You can buy many different brands and forms of antihistamines without a prescription.

• Some work for only 4 to 6 hours, while others last for 12 to 24 hours
• Some are combined with a decongestant, a medicine that dries up your nasal passages

Ask your health care provider what type of antihistamine and what exact dosage is right for you or your child. Make sure you understand how much to use and how many times a day to use it. Be sure to read the label carefully. Or ask your pharmacist or provider if you have questions.

Some antihistamines cause less sleepiness than others. These include cetirizine (Zyrtec), desloratadine (Clarinex), fexofenadine (Allegra), levocetirizine (Xyzal), and loratadine (Claritin).

Important reminders:

• Do not drink alcohol when you are taking antihistamines
• Store antihistamines at room temperature, away from heat, direct light, and moisture
• Do not freeze antihistamines
• Keep all medicines where children cannot reach them

Safety and Side Effects

Ask your provider if antihistamines are safe for you or your child, what side effects to watch for, and how antihistamines may affect other medicines you or your child take.

General safety information:

• Antihistamines are thought to be safe for adults
• Most antihistamines are also safe for children older than 2 years old
• If you are breastfeeding or pregnant, ask your provider if antihistamines are safe for you
• Adults who take antihistamines should know how the medicine affects them before driving or using machinery
• If your child is taking antihistamines, make sure the medicine is not affecting your child's ability to learn

Special precautions may be needed if you have:

• Diabetes
• Enlarged prostate or problems passing urine
• Epilepsy
• Heart disease or high blood pressure
• Increased pressure in the eye (glaucoma)
• Overactive thyroid

Possible side effects may include:

• Changes in vision, such as blurry vision
• Constipation
• Decreased appetite
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Dry mouth
• Feeling nervous, excited, or irritable
• Increased difficulty urinating if you already have some difficulty urinating

Practical Tips for Managing Pollen Allergies

Here are some effective strategies to reduce your exposure and symptoms:

• Check daily pollen counts and stay indoors when levels are high
• Keep windows closed and use air conditioning with clean filters
• Shower and change clothes after spending time outdoors
• Avoid outdoor activities during peak pollen times (typically early morning)
• Use a saline nasal rinse to clear pollen from nasal passages

When to Contact Your Healthcare Provider

Contact your provider if:

• Your nose is irritated, you are having nosebleeds, or you have any other new nasal symptoms
• Your allergy symptoms are not getting better
• You are having trouble taking your antihistamines
• Symptoms interfere with your daily activities or sleep
• Over-the-counter medications aren't providing adequate relief
• You experience severe reactions
• Symptoms persist beyond typical allergy seasons

Important: This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult with a healthcare professional or pharmacist before starting any new medication or treatment plan.

At iPharmacy, we're here to help you find the right solutions for managing your pollen allergies. Our knowledgeable staff can guide you through available options and help you choose products that best suit your needs.

Visit us in-store or browse our online selection of allergy relief products to start feeling better today.