As a physician assistant who treats patients with allergies, Kyrene Zack has a deep understanding of the condition and what treatments can provide relief. She is also the mother of a five-year-old son who suffers from allergies.
Zack shares her tips and tricks to help patients cope with the itchy eyes, sneezing, runny nose, coughing, and general misery of allergy season. She recommends that patients start taking allergy medicine at the end of February, before pollen season begins. This can help to prevent inflammation and keep symptoms from snowballing.
She also believes that over-the-counter medications should be the first line of defense against allergies. She recommends a steroid nasal spray, such as Flonase, Nasonex, or Nasacort, as well as an antihistamine such as Zyrtec, Allegra, Claritin, and Xyzal. These medications can help to control symptoms, but Zack advises patients to consult with their physician if they begin to experience severe symptoms.
For patients with children with allergies, Zack recommends using a pediatric version of an antihistamine, such as Claritin. She also advises parents to wash their family’s bed sheets in hot water once a week and to use air purifiers and filters on heating/air conditioning units.
If you experience significant symptoms from allergies, Zack recommends that you consult your physician. She has been able to find relief for many patients by administering immunotherapy, which is the form of allergy shots.
Source: Wellspan