Did You Know?

• You can develop allergies at any time, although they most commonly begin in childhood.
• If your parents have allergies, your chances of developing allergies are 50%. If only one parent has allergies, the risk is 30% and if neither of your parents have allergies, you have a 10% chance of developing it yourself. However, you do not inherit the tendency to be allergic to the same things. The most common cause of allergy in America is ragweed, a weed that blooms in the fall.

How can I get relief for my allergy symptoms?

Medications such as antihistamines are used to prevent or relieve the symptoms of allergic rhinitis and other allergies. Some antihistamines may cause drowsiness but the newer antihistamines rarely cause this side effect. It is important to consider these possible side effects especially if you need to drive or operate any equipment or machinery that requires alertness. Your pharmacist will want to discuss any medications you are taking or health conditions you may have before recommending any product. 

Decongestants are often helpful in treating nasal congestion associated with allergies. They work by narrowing blood vessels, leading to clearing of nasal congestion.
Nose sprays and drops may be used for acute situations but for no more than 2 to 3 days or as recommended by your pharmacist or doctor.
Over-the-counter nasal sprays if used for a prolonged period of time can cause “rebound rhinitis” or nasal congestion symptoms.