You’re sneezing, itching, and wheezing, and you know why. It’s allergy season. Although no cure exists, there are ways of diminishing the symptoms.

Allergies can be anything from a minor annoyance during certain times of the year to a severe year-round problem. Fortunately, by learning more about your allergies and working with your doctor, you can find ways to control your symptoms.

The air you breathe

You have an allergy when your body overreacts to things that don’t cause problems for most people. These things are called allergens. Some of the most common allergens are airborne. Airborne allergens include: mold, animal dander, dust mites, and pollen from trees, grass, and weeds. "Hay fever" is an old term for allergy to pollen.

Dealing with allergies

It’s possible to outgrow allergies that you have as a child. But if you don’t outgrow your allergy, there’s no way to cure it. The best way to treat allergies is to avoid whatever causes your symptoms. Your doctor can give you tips on how to do this. Unfortunately, it isn’t always possible to steer clear of allergens. In that case, your doctor can help you decide which medicines may be right for you.

Medicines that may help

Antihistamines help reduce the sneezing, runny nose, and itchiness of allergies. They’re more useful if you use them before you’re exposed to allergens. Some antihistamines can cause drowsiness and dry mouth. Others are less likely to cause these side effects, but may require a prescription.

Decongestants help temporarily relieve the stuffy nose caused by allergies. Decongestants are found in many medicines and come as pills, nose sprays, and nose drops. Decongestant nose sprays and drops should not be used for more than three days at any time because you can become dependent on them. This causes you to feel even more stuffed up when you quit using them. You can get decongestants without a doctor’s prescription. However, decongestant pills can raise your blood pressure. Talk to your doctor before using them, especially if you have high blood pressure.

Cromolyn sodium is a nasal spray that helps prevent the body’s reaction to allergens. It’s more helpful if you use it before you’re exposed to allergens because it may take two to four weeks to start working. It is available without a prescription.

A leukotriene modifier requires a prescription from your doctor. Leukotrienes are chemicals that your immune system releases during an allergic reaction. A leukotriene modifier keeps these chemicals from causing allergic symptoms such as inflammation and nasal congestion.

Nasal steroid sprays reduce the reaction of the nasal tissues to inhaled allergens. This helps relieve the swelling in your nose so that you feel less stuffed up. They require a prescription from your doctor. You may not notice their benefits for as long as two weeks after starting them. Your doctor may prescribe steroid pills for a short time, or give you a steroid shot if your symptoms are severe or if other medicines aren’t working for you.

Eye drops may be prescribed if other medicines aren’t helping enough with your itchy, watery eyes.

What about allergy shots?

Allergy shots (also called immunotherapy) contain small amounts of allergens. They are given on a regular schedule so that your body gets used to the allergens and no longer overreacts to them. Allergy shots are only used when the allergens you’re sensitive to can be identified, and you can’t avoid them.

Stick with it

Dealing with allergies can be a hassle, but in most cases they can be controlled if the right measures are taken.

Symptoms

Common allergy symptoms from airborne allergens:

• runny or stuffy nose


• watery eyes


• itchy nose, eyes, and roof of mouth


• sneezing


• pressure in the nose, cheeks, and ears


• dark circles under the eyes

National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, http://www.niaid.nih.gov

Take note

If you have allergies, the following can make your symptoms worse:

• Aerosol sprays


• Air pollution


• Cold temperatures


• Humidity


• Irritating fumes


• Tobacco smoke


• Wind


• Wood smoke

American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, http://www.aaaai.org.