Show n f y II 4 nJ TH THE f Allergy II Season Is f t f HUMAN CINE IDE IL i Here ere By Connie King PA Redwood Health Center CenterI I t After a long wet Winter we joyfully joyfully joy joy- R fully welcome Spring Unless perchance perchance pert per per- t chance one has allergies i Symptoms of allergies can include red watery eyes and itchy noses f sneezing and generalized congest t tion Those having symptoms now are allergic to tree pollens Symptoms will subside in mid-May mid and possibly recur in mid Those with Summer symptoms are allergic to grass and weeds Fall allergies are due to another set of weed pollens and usually subside in October Most people can obtain adequate relief from an the over-the-counter oral w antihistamines If they make you sleepy a time release medication at nighttime may be just enough to alleviate symptoms There is the added benefit of more restful sleep For daytime use a combination with decongestant will help keep you alert for classes To lessen symptoms it is helpful to take the medication before working working working work work- ing in the yard or going for a hike Sometimes a medication will become ineffective after prolonged use If this happens simply try another combination There are prescription drugs available that are taken only once or twice a day Symptoms tend to get worse over time and if the OTC medications are no longer working stop by the Redwood Health Center to discuss your options Normal saline nose sprays can be of benefit to keep the nose moist Nasal decongestant sprays should not be used for more than three days at a time as they are addicting There are also several nasal sprays with cortisone available by pre pre- that are good for red watery eyes Another Spring allergy reaction is to insect bites Mosquitoes and bees can leave large itchy welts that worsen when scratched Applying a cool washcloth then a abit abit abit bit of colorless lotion will lessen the itching Taking an antihistamine as described above will h help lp Always remember that an antihistamine can make you less alert Both Health Centers are open every morning that classes are in session Muriel Gordon RN is at in Redwood Health Center is in the lower level of the College Center Do not hesitate to stop by byone byone byone one of the health centers with any health question or problem We both carry Advil Tylenol and decongestants as well as medications medications medications medica medica- for upset stomach |