By Neena Chawla, MD
Edited by Megan Black, Marketing Specialist
Have you washed your car recently, just to return the next day to a haze of yellow pollen? Or have you done a double take when you see snow in May…just to realize the parking lot you’re in is inundated with cottonwood? Welcome to allergy season in the Pacific Northwest!
While it can feel hopeless, there are ways to make allergy season more bearable. Neena Chawla, MD, provider at our Bonney Lake location is here to break down the basics: what allergies actually are, what they are not, and the different medications available to treat them.
Please note, this content is provided for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute providing medical advice or professional services. It’s still important to talk to your healthcare provider to find the treatment that is right for you. To make an appointment, call 253-848-5851 or send a message through MyChart.
Common Allergy Symptoms
Sometimes, allergies may have you wondering if it might be a cold instead. Some ways to identify allergies include:
- Sneezing
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Itchy eyes, nose, or throat
- Watery, red, or swollen eyes
- Fatigue
Differences Between Cold and Allergies
- Contagiousness: Colds are contagious, while allergies are not.
- Duration: Colds typically last for a shorter period (1-2 weeks), while allergies can persist as long as the allergen exposure continues.
- Fever: Colds often cause fever, while allergies rarely do.
- Itchy eyes: Itchy eyes are more common with allergies than with colds.
Types of Over-the-Counter (OTC) Allergy Medications
Now for some relief! There are several kinds of allergy medications available at your local drugstore. Each method has pros and cons, like drowsiness. Your healthcare provider can help you choose the right medication or combination that is both safe and effective.
- Antihistamines: Block histamine to alleviate sneezing, itching, and runny nose.
- Non-drowsy options: Loratadine (Claritin), Fexofenadine (Allegra), Cetirizine (Zyrtec)*
- Drowsy options: Diphenhydramine (Benadryl), Chlorpheniramine
- Note: Some non-drowsy antihistamines may still cause drowsiness in certain individuals.
- Decongestants: Reduce nasal swelling to relieve congestion.
- Oral: Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed)*
- Nasal sprays: Oxymetazoline (Afrin), Phenylephrine (Neo-Synephrine)
- Important: Oral decongestants should not be used for more than 7 days, and nasal sprays for more than 3 days, to avoid rebound congestion.
- Combination Medications: Combine antihistamines and decongestants for comprehensive relief.
- Oral: Cetirizine/pseudoephedrine (Zyrtec-D), Fexofenadine/pseudoephedrine (Allegra-D)
- Eye drops: Naphazoline/pheniramine (Naphcon-A)
- Steroid Nasal Sprays: Reduce inflammation in nasal passages.
- Examples: Budesonide (Rhinocort), Fluticasone (Flonase), Triamcinolone (Nasacort)
- Note: May take up to 2 weeks for full effect; start before allergy season.
- Mast Cell Stabilizers: Prevent allergic reactions by inhibiting mast cell release.
- Example: Cromolyn (NasalCrom)
- Requires multiple daily uses and may take up to 4 weeks to be effective.
Still have questions? Make an appointment with your PCP.
Your primary care provider can guide you through allergy season and offer additional treatment and referrals, if needed. Don’t suffer through year after year…schedule a visit today by calling 253-848-5951. Click here to meet our providers who are accepting new patients.
