Pollen Allergy Treatment

Overview

Spring and summer months bring a slew of allergy symptoms to those who are allergic to pollen, report doctors at the Mayo Clinic. Signs of pollen allergies include runny nose, sneezing, congestion and other respiratory conditions. Avoiding the tree, grass and weed pollens that cause the allergies is the best way to stay healthy. There are treatments however that can help to minimize the symptoms and provide relief to pollen allergy sufferers.

Step 1

See your doctor for a prescription nasal spray that contains corticosteroids. The medication can reduce the symptoms of pollen allergies, though it may take up to a week for patients to notice any relief.

Step 2

Try over-the-counter antihistamines to stop the sneezing, itching and runny nose you get from pollen exposure. Brands such as Claritin and Zyrtec are best for those who do not want any side effects like drowsiness. Other products such as Benadryl and Chlor-Trimeton also can relieve allergy symptoms but may cause drowsiness, report Mayo Clinic doctors.

Step 3

Take decongestants that contain phenylephrine or pseudoephedrine to relieve the stuffy nose symptoms and dry up excess mucus. Decongestants are available over-the-counter in pill form, nose drops and nasal sprays.

Step 4

Get a prescription for Singulair, which is a tablet that blocks the production of immune system chemicals, such as mucus, that make allergy symptoms worse. Prescription antihistamines that contain fexofenadine or azelastine also can be useful when over-the-counter medications do not help.

Step 5

Flush your nasal cavities with salt water in a squeeze bottle or neti pot designed to alleviate the mucus that causes the allergy symptoms. Use over-the-counter prepared solutions for nasal irrigation or prepare your own with 1/4 teaspoon of salt mixed in 2 cups warm water.

Step 6

Enroll in an immunotherapy program that can desensitize you to pollen. Hay fever symptoms can be treated over a period of three to five years with allergy shots that contain purified ingredients of the allergens to which you react. Over time you can eliminate the need for medications and significantly reduce your allergy symptoms.

Step 7

Ask your doctor for eye drops to alleviate the irritation of red, itchy eyes if the other medications do not clear up enough of the symptoms, advise doctors at the American Academy of Family Physicians.