Allergies - Tips to treat

Well, It has certianly been a while since my last post. My goal is to get back on track and post a minimum of one article per month. Any encouragement from you guys will help.


With the arrival of spring upon us, pollen, dust, and dander stir in the air and affect millions of Americans in the form of Hay-fever or allergies.

There are many types of over the counter drugs that will relieve some of the symptoms but leave side effects such as drowsiness, reduced coordination, slowed reaction time and impaired judgment. All of which take another arsenal of measures to counter.

One report suggests, “The use of allergy medication can also affect one’s ability to focus on activities by causing dizziness, nervousness, nausea or headaches”. .
These symptoms often affect a persons ability to make it to work and defiantly makes a deciding factor in operating machinery.

So what happens when you face such circumstances?

First, be aware of your condition and make good decisions ahead of time. If you know you will be working, you can plan medications for the night before in order to get a good amount of sleep and perhaps have less problems when you begin your shift.

Some other tips that have been suggested:

· Consider taking medications for only significant allergy attacks.
· Take the smallest dose possible.
· Before taking the medication, read not only the warnings on the outer package, but also the product insert.
· Follow the recommended dosage. Taking “extra doses” may only provide more side effects and not more relief.

At times it makes sense to try methods that don't require medication such as a nety pot. Perhaps you have never heard of this method of using a warm saline solution to “flush” the sinus cavity clean and dry up symptoms of the allergies.

Another non-medication is a menthol steam treatment which can also be purchased over the counter at many pharmacies and local retail stores.

Perhaps high doses of vitamin C will help you “cope” through the day until you have access to other forms of medications. Remember the old Dr. saying, "Get some rest, drink pleanty of water and call me in the morning". Perhaps by utilizing some of these methods you can avoid the call.

The bottom line is to make good choices at the first signs of problems in order to overcome the symptoms as quickly as possible.