5 Ways to Fight Seasonal Allergies

For people with seasonal allergies, spring and fall can be times of sniffles and sneezes. Now that the trees are blooming and flowers are budding, Dr. Rebecca Barrett, a family medicine doctor with INTEGRIS Family Care Southwest, shares five things you can do to help minimize symptoms.

1. Avoid the allergens. For example, keep your car and house windows closed and use air conditioning. It's best to stay indoors between 5 a.m. and 10 a.m., when allergens tend to peak.
2. Keep your household air filters changed frequently and use the better quality filters that tend to keep out more allergens.
3. Use over the counter remedies like nasal steroid sprays and non drowsy antihistamines for symptoms control, but always check with your health care provider with any questions before using.
4. Watch for signs of an infection like fever, severe headache or facial pain with thick discolored mucous.
5. Go see your doctor if your symptoms worsen or fail to improve while using over the counter medications.