Experiencing an itchy throat, stuffy nose, or irritated eyes? If the answer is yes, you may be dealing with pollen allergies, specifically seasonal allergic rhinitis. During spring, it’s common to experience these symptoms from late March through May, due to the combination of blooming flowers/trees and rising temperatures.
The Cincinnati and West Chester areas are currently at an all-time high with pollen, causing major discomfort for those who have the allergen. The Weather Channel for West Chester, Ohio, breaks down the pollen count into 3 main offenders.
- Tree Pollen–High
- Grass Pollen–Moderate
- Ragweed Pollen–None
How to Prevent + Relieve Allergies
It’s important to keep track of the weather and pollen count to prepare for the upcoming weeks. Make sure windows are closed to prevent pollen from entering the home’s airflow, and take showers as soon as you get home. Doctors recommend taking prescribed or over-the-counter medication before the pollen has had the time to enter one’s body. Antihistamines such as Zyrtec, Allegra, and Claritin should help with daily relief, as well as nasal sprays like Nasacort and Flonase for congestion. For itchy/red eyes, eye drops like Zaditor and Clear Eyes (for redness), temporarily resolve symptoms. In some cases, people take seasonal allergy shots with 80% to 90% of patients experiencing significant relief.
