Being a little over halfway through the month of June, I’m sure many of us have been experiencing the classic symptoms that accompany the changing of the seasons. Although many may only have allergies just a few months out of the year, in Ohio allergy season is said to begin as early as February and last until November.

Hopefully with some help from these tips, we can all enjoy the outdoors in spite of the pollen in the air.

What are Allergies?

Allergies occur as a result of our immune systems overreacting to substances in the air, which under normal circumstances would protect us from foreign pathogens.

During different times of the year, different allergens may be more or less prominent in the air which is why most people only experience allergies during specific seasons.

In Ohio, some of the most prominent allergens tend to be molds and pollens.

A graphic of the most common allergens by month can be found below.

Fortunately for those who suffer from seasonal allergies, there are many options available to find relief during allergy season. Several options don’t even require medication, and medication options that are available are easily accessible over the counter.

 Allergy Relief

One of the first things to try to manage your allergies is to simply remove yourself from the allergen. This can be done in several ways including:

• Closing windows (especially at night)
• Wearing a mask
• Removing pet hair
• Cleaning dusty surfaces
• Installing a HEPA air filter

It can also be very beneficial to track the pollen count to see how it correlates with your symptoms and help you plan ahead. If you happen to notice that high pollen counts are on the horizon, it might be a good idea to take some of the precautions listed above, or preemptively start an allergy medication.

Pollen.com offers interactive pollen maps throughout the country, which can be very helpful during allergy season.

If you’re still having symptoms after trying any of the strategies above, stop by your local pharmacy to pick up any of the below over-the-counter medications for near instant relief.

• Flonase– for congestion or irritated eyes
• Zyrtec– for itching, sneezing, or runny nose
• Allegra– for itching, sneezing, or runny nose
• Claritin– for itching, sneezing, or runny nose
• Sudafed– for nasal congestion

If you’re overwhelmed by the number of choices available to you, be sure to ask the pharmacist what medication might be best for you. There are an abundance of choices for allergy relief, so if one agent doesn’t work, don’t be discouraged. With the help of your local medication expert, you’ll be sure to find something that suits your specific needs.

If after going through all of this you still can’t find relief, you’ll be happy to know that there are other options. Seeing an allergy specialist is a great place to start. They can offer tests to allow you determine what particular irritants trigger your allergies throughout the year, allowing you to better understand your immune system. On top of this, they can offer allergy shots which can increase tolerance to allergens over time, which in the long term can provide some serious relief.