Allergy Season: It’s Nothing To Sneeze At (NAPSA)—Almost 40 million Americans face seasonal allergies, which usually begin in the spring and can last through the first frost. They’re often triggered by pollens, molds or other airborne allergens. According to the Ameri- can Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, Americans spend as much as $4.5 billion annually on medications and doctor visits to treat their allergies. The first step in treatment is to reduce exposure to specific allergens. If that’s not possible, managing symptoms through medication ‘4 is often next. { Here are sometips Lisa Chavis to help control your ~~ allergies: Know Your Triggers: To avoid an allergen, you need to know whatit is. Physicians can determine what youre allergic to by reviewing your personal and medical history or doing a physi- cal exam. In some cases a skin, patch or blood test may be used to confirm suspected allergens. Create a Sneeze-free Environment: A few changes at home can make a difference. Use an air conditioner whenever possible, make your home “dust mite” un- sO Medicationsused to treat allergies include antihistamines, deconges- tants and nasal sprays, both overthe-counter and prescription. treatment. Those that include diphenhydramine have been an allergy staple for years but can cause drowsiness. Newer nonsedating antihistamines, such as Claritin, are now available without a prescription. OTCs are usu- ally far less expensive than prescription drugs and are now covered under pretax health care accounts, such as FSAs and HSAs. Consider Generics: They can be as effective as brand-name med- ications and cost 30 to 80 percent less. Popular allergy medications Allegra and Flonase are now available as generics—fexofenadine and fluticasone. According to a recent Medco analysis, 80 percent of all friendly by vacuuming often, use hypoallergenic products and check Allegra prescriptions werefilled with a generic at retail pharmacies work best if taken before exposure and treatments, you can spend more time outside and less time con- only be used for a short time as nose and the cost of medication. pollen counts before going out. If they’re high, stay inside. Find the Right Remedy: Antihistamines reduce symptoms and to allergens. Decongestants should they can worsen the condition. Nasal sprays, known as inhaled steroids, are anotheroption. Know the OTC Options: Doctors may recommend over-the- counter medicationsasa first-line within 30 days of its introduction. Discuss the options with your doctor. With the right knowledge cerned about watery eyes, a runny Lisa Chavis, RPh, is a lead pharmacist for the Drug Utilization Review (DUR) department at Medco Health Solutions, Inc. Her books include “The Family Pharmacist” and “Ask Your Pharmacist.”
