I love spring - in spite of the fact that I'm allergic to it. My allergies have developed as I've aged. Peter's had significant allergies since his youth. Not surprisingly, two of our three children are currently displaying symptoms of seasonal allergies.
Although not life-threatening, seasonal allergies can certainly be life-changing. And not in a good way, unless you enjoy itchy eyes, wheezing, and sinus headaches! I checked in with Sam Boyajian, owner/pharmacist at Gardner Pharmacy for his professional advice.
Your pharmacist can be an invaluable resource as you're taking care of yourself and your family. We're fortunate to have Sam Boyajian in Gardner. He's been recognized by the KPhA (Kansas Pharmacists Association), receiving their 2009 'Innovative Pharmacy Practice Award'
and 2006 Kansas Bowl of Hygeia for 'Outstanding Community Service'. He's a great person to turn to when you feel crummy, but don't think it's time to make a doctor's appointment yet.
Avis - How can I tell if I have allergies instead of a cold?
Sam - Many symptoms of a cold and allergy are very similar. You can get a runny nose, congestion, sneezing, and headaches with both. However, itchy watery eyes, nose and throat are generally indications of allergies. Most generally, you will not feel as bad overall with allergies as you do with a cold, although allergies sure can make you miserable.
Avis - I’m not congested, but my eyes are itchy. Will an allergy medication help?
Sam - An over-the-counter allergy medicine certainly can help with itchy eyes. Especially allergy eye drops. Most drops for allergies generally will have ingredients to either stabilize the mast cells that produce histamine, cause constriction of the blood vessels to reduce redness, or decrease inflammation that cause the redness and irritation.
Avis - Are non-drowsy allergy meds as effective as the ones that make me sleepy?
Sam - Many people get great relief from the "non-drowsy" antihistamines such as Claritin or Zyrtec. The older, more sedating antihistamines such as Benadryl, Chlor-Trimeton, or Tavist, may seem to work a little better, but the extra drowsiness that many people get may not be worth it to the patient. Also, it is important to note that the "non drowsy" antihistamines also can cause some drowsiness in people, so don't be mislead that these absolutely won't cause drowsiness.
Avis - I don’t like being congested, but I don’t like that totally-dried-out feeling, either. Is there anything in-between? Or something to do for the dryness?
Sam - You can try decongestants only. These will not dry you out and will help to open the sinuses and allow you to breathe a little better. Many products are a combination of antihistamines AND decongestants
Avis - My allergies aren’t bad, but I’m afraid that if I don’t treat them that I could get a sinus infection. Do I need to take OTC meds for my allergies?
Sam - Most of the time it's up to the patient as to when they want to treat allergy symptoms. It is important, though, not to allow the sinuses to become so swollen and congested so that they don't drain properly. That is when infection can set in. Then, only a trip to the doctor for an antibiotic can take care of that. There is nothing for infection over the counter.
Avis - At what point should I go to the doctor for prescription allergy medications?
Sam - You should visit your doctor the minute you think you might have an infection starting in your eyes, sinuses, or throat, or if your breathing becomes difficult. Pollen allergies can facilitate asthmatic attacks, so people with asthma need to be especially careful. Also, there are very good nose sprays that help people that are available only by prescription. So, if the over the counter products aren't helping like you want, the doctor can give other alternatives that may help.
Other things that may be helpful are sinus rinses. Cleaning out the sinuses, especially when there is so much pollen in the air, is very important. Also, keeping the house closed up during high pollen times and using high quality filters in your furnace/air conditioner can help a lot.
Sam Boyajian 
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