Top Tips on Surviving Allergy Season

More than one-third of Americans suffer from seasonal allergies. That’s why we polled our Facebook fans to see how they are surviving this record-breaking pollen season. Surprisingly, only 36 percent of you take over-the-counter antihistamines. Another 28 percent use alternative remedies, and 12 percent use prescription treatments. Almost one quarter of fans say they just stay inside and hide until it’s all over.

Maybe those who choose not to take antihistamines are wary of side effects like drowsiness. But, according to Walgreens pharmacists, newer antihistamines, such as Allegra and Zyrtec, are much less likely than older drugs to make you sleepy.

Among fans who use alternative remedies, here were the most popular:

1. Honey or bee pollen. Not a bad idea, says Sharecare expert Lindsey Duncan, ND. “Bees carry the pollen that aggravates seasonal allergies, and some of that pollen becomes part of the honey. Consuming honey daily before allergy season can help your body grow accustomed to the pollen and immunize your body against it.”
2. Saline nasal spray. Also a good approach, says Sharecare expert Andrea Pennington, MD. She recommends using a sterile spray two to three times a day to wash away irritants. Dr. Oz also recommends a neti pot. (Caution! Follow the instructions carefully and clean your neti pot properly to avoid a potentially serious infection.)
3. A homeopathic remedy. Some say they’re worth a try. The trick is to find the right one.

For those of you who choose to stay inside and hide, avoidance is not a bad strategy either, according to Dr. Oz. Just make sure you shut the windows and run the air conditioner. If you do go outside, don’t do it when pollen levels are highest, usually between 5 am – 10 am. It also pays to shower after you’ve been outside when the pollen levels are high.

For more ways to combat spring allergies, take our quiz Surviving Spring Allergies.

How are you handling this pollen season? Let us know in the comments section below.

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