We’re smack in the middle of the “yellow season” in Mississippi. While the warmth of spring thaws our bodies and spirits, it also sprouts the trees and grass which produce pollen responsible for seasonal allergies. If your seasonal allergy medications aren’t doing the trick keep reading.
Many over-the-counter seasonal allergy medications such as antihistamines and nasal sprays keep allergy symptoms at bay especially if used consistently. Patients may also reduce their reactions by showering after being outside, keeping pets out of bedrooms, closing outside doors and windows and wearing face masks and sunglasses when working outside. Unfortunately for some patients, these precautions aren’t enough.
What do you do when your sneezing, watering eyes, and stuffy nose persist even after you’ve eliminated as much pollen as possible? It might be time to see your provider.
When to see your provider
Our bodies naturally protect themselves against foreign invaders such as bacteria and viruses. Sometimes our bodies react to other substances like pollen which are not harmful. Severe allergies happen when our body really overreacts to these substances.
If you answer yes to any of the following questions make an appointment with your medical provider or your allergy specialist.
- Have your allergies led to chronic sinus infections, nasal congestion or breathing problems?
- Do you experience hay fever or other allergy symptoms more than a couple of months out of the year?
- Are you using over-the-counter antihistamines or nasal sprays without improvement?
- Have your seasonal allergies or asthma decrease your quality of life or interfere with your day-to-day activities?
- Do you struggle to catch your breath at times?
- Do you wheeze or cough mainly at night or after exercise?
- Are you short of breath or feel a tightening in your chest?
- Have you been diagnosed with asthma but your medications aren’t working?
How can my provider help?
If over-the-counter seasonal allergy medications aren’t helping, it might be time for your provider to prescribe stronger medication. Another option is one that treats your allergies in a different way. It’s also possible that the over-the-counter medications you’re using may have negative side-effects you don’t like.
Your medical provider can determine if you need a referral to an allergy specialist or if they can treat your allergies before making that referral. An allergy specialist can test to find out what exactly is causing your allergies and may discuss immunotherapy. Immunotherapy treats allergies by introducing an increasing amount of the allergen via injection over months or years.
If you’re tired of struggling with your stuffy nose make an appointment with your provider. Together you can discuss new options for treating your allergies so you can enjoy the spring weather.
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