Allergy Sprays

Allergies. For years Joy has had symptoms, reacting to pollens from trees, grasses and weeds. Runny nose, itchy, itchy eyes where you want to pluck them out.

For others the problem may be in the home. Dander from the family pet, household dust, dust mites — not visible, but present on your bedsheets — and mold, can all result in year-round allergic reactions. Joy takes new antihistamines that do not cause drowsiness, combined with a decongestant. She uses a prescribed steroid nasal spray. Are steroid products safe?

Nasal steroid sprays are topical. They don’t get into your blood system used at the recommended dosage. They are very safe.

Joy’s also being treated by an allergist.

Doctor: “This nose doesn’t look that allergic right now. It looks irritated, probably from the cigarette smoke you were exposed to.”

This year Joy’s trying allergy shots. “I’ve had enough and I wanted to come in and get immunized so I wouldn’t have that miserable summer again.”

Over several years shots may eliminate Joy’s allergic reactions.

Avoidance of the allergens should be the number one thing you try to do, but sometimes that’s difficult.

Here are some tips we can all follow: Avoid yard work on high pollen days. Install air cleaners. Wash sheets in hot water to kill dust mites. Remove carpets, and weather permitting, keep your pet in an outdoor home. Remember, the key to success is early allergy treatment, that means starting before your allergy season. Allergy shots are generally used only when significant improvement does not occur with pills, sprays, or symptoms are present more than six months out of the year.