What Are the Best Ways to Treat Seasonal Allergies?

There’s no greater feeling of taking a deep breath of fresh air on a beautiful day. Until your seasonal allergies (also known as hay fever and allergic rhinitis) kick in. The runny nose, sneezing, itchy eyes, congestion and sinus pressure can come between you and your favorite activities, and even make you feel downright miserable.

If you love the outdoors, but they don’t love you back, it’s time to explore ways to treat your seasonal allergies.

Over-the-counter care for seasonal allergies

If you’re among the 36 million allergy suffers in the U.S., you may have tried several types of nonprescription medications. For many people, they deliver the quick, consistent relief, and even help manage allergy symptoms day after day, season after season. They include:

• Antihistamines – Typically available without a prescription in pill form, antihistamines can help relieve sneezing, itching, a runny nose and watery eyes. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist to get symptom-specific recommendations.
• Oral decongestants – These medications can also be taken in pill form and are available over-the-counter. They can provide temporary relief from nasal stuffiness. Decongestants also come in nasal sprays, but only use nasal decongestants for a few days in a row. Longer-term use of decongestant nasal sprays can worsen symptoms (resulting in rebound congestion).
• Nasal spray ­–Nasal spray can usually ease allergy symptoms without serious side effects, though it's most effective when you begin using it before your symptoms start.
• Combination medications –Some allergy medications combine an antihistamine with a decongestant, such as Claritin-D^® and Allegra-D^®.

Treat seasonal allergies by “rinsing” your sinuses

Rinsing your sinuses with saline solution (nasal irrigation) is a quick and inexpensive way to relieve nasal congestion. Rinsing can also effectively flush mucus and allergens from your nose. Simply purchase a squeeze bottle or a neti pot—a container with a spout designed for nasal rinsing—at your pharmacy or health food store, and follow the directions closely.

Count on our credentialed, compassionate doctors for excellent healthcare

When over-the-counter medications aren’t enough, or you’d like to get to the source of your allergies, our team of skilled physicians and specialists at Pomona Valley Health Centers is ready to help. By conducting skin or blood tests, we can find out exactly what allergens are triggering your symptoms. Then, we’ll identify the treatments likely to work best for you, and help you take specific steps to avoid your allergen triggers.

And should you or a family member need immediate allergy treatment in Pomona Valley, our urgent care center is here year ‘round, with extended hours at our Chino Hills Crossroads and Claremont locations.

To schedule an appointment for allergy care, family medicine or specialty care, call 909-630-7829 or click here to use our online form.