As the trees, weeds and grasses bloom and grow, so do allergies. Dr. Jill Poole, Allergist with UNMC, says about 20 to 40% of Americans suffer from seasonal allergies.
She says if you are having the classic symptoms of the itchy nose, the sneezing and the itchy watery eyes that started in March and are steadily getting worse, that could be mean you have allergies.
Poole says you should start taking over-the-counter medications as soon as you notice symptoms.
But if those don’t work well for you, you may want to see your doctor and get tested to find out what you’re allergic to and the best treatments.
"For certain people, there could be the sublingual tablets, for our asthmatics we have aggressive anti-allergy asthma therapy. There are new types of nasal sprays that are prescriptions that might be stronger than the old ones that they’ve used in the past.”
Poole says closing windows will keep tree pollen from entering in your bedroom while you sleep.
She says changing your clothes and washing your hands and face after you’ve been outside can also be helpful in fighting allergies.
More information about allergies is available online at www.aaaai.org.