Allergy Season is Early this Year!! By Dr. Paul Fulmer, MD
Everyone who suffers from allergies knows that when the trees start budding and the flowers bloom they better get ready!! Allergy season is upon them. For most sufferers, taking an antihistamine or a nasal spray will usually do the trick. However, there are several things you can do to help minimize the side effects associated with allergies.
First, AVOIDANCE!! Always try to avoid going outside during your most allergic time of year. Get someone else to do the yard work or clean the back porch. Second when you have to mow the yard or work in the flower beds, use a mask to help decrease the allergy load to your system. Third, after being out in the wind and allergic environment, come in and take a shower, rinse your nose with salt water nasal spray (normal saline) and change your clothes. This will often minimize your suffering and decrease your nasal congestion.
If you always seem to have allergies in the spring, consult with your doctor. There is a good chance you could be given a prescription for a nasal steroid spray (i.e. Flonase, Nasacort AQ, Nasanex) in combination with an over the counter antihistamine (i.e. Claritin, Allegra, or Zyrtec.) This could help control your symptoms.
However, if you are already using the above medicines or are frustrated with the need to have to continue to use them, you may be a candidate for a different treatment. Chronic sufferers of nasal congestion can benefit greatly from a relatively new procedure called Turbinate Coblation. This involves using radio frequency energy to shrink the tissues along the side walls inside the nose for lasting improved airflow and significant decreased congestion. This simple 15 minute in office procedure is painless and you’re back at work the same day.
Visit us at snoring.onlinepositioning.com and learn more about this exciting and innovative way to improve your nasal breathing and decrease the symptoms associated with allergies this time of year.
