Skylar Maurice, Staff Writer

As the seasons change, many people choose to go outside more frequently due to the weather being more favorable. However, this is also a time where people find themselves having trouble with seasonal allergies. 

According to aurorahealthcare, an allergy is a response from the immune system towards certain proteins located in food, latex, airborne particles, venom and medication. The immune system sees these proteins as damaging and responds to them. This response can cause a variety of symptoms ranging from mildly inconvenient to severe, occasionally requiring immediate medical treatment. For example, anaphylaxis is an extreme allergic reaction that can involve symptoms such as inflamed eyes, lips, throat and lightheadedness. Some of these symptoms can create breathing and swallowing issues.

Allergies to an over-the-counter or prescription medication are not uncommon. These reactions can cause serious things such as anaphylaxis. Medications that commonly cause an allergic reaction include insulin, anticonvulsants, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and penicillin.

One way that people can combat allergies involves reducing their risk to things that trigger them. According to the Mayo Clinic, lessening one’s vulnerability helps to prevent allergy symptoms from being provoked. Lessening a person’s vulnerability can involve not going outside on dry days. It is better to venture outside when there has been a moderate amount of rain. It also involves getting rid of the clothes you wore outside and taking a shower to rinse the pollen from your skin and hair.

Another way that people can combat their allergies is taking added steps when the pollen count is elevated. This can include verifying the current pollen levels through the internet or local TV. People can also shut their windows and doors when the pollen count is elevated or steer away from activities outside in the morning. This is when the pollen count is usually the greatest.

An additional way to treat allergies includes the use of medicine to deal with symptoms. Doctors may suggest the use of an over-the-counter antihistamine including Zyrtec or Claritin. Antihistamines can help mitigate itching, watery eyes, sneezing and a runny nose. Corticosteroid nasal sprays can improve sinus symptoms. Examples of these sprays include triamcinolone, propionate and budesonide. Prolonged use of these types of nasal sprays should be discussed with your current health care provider.

Oral decongestants can help to provide momentary relief for nasal congestion. Certain allergy medications can be utilized in coordination with a decongestant and an antihistamine. Examples include certizine-pseudoephedrine and loratadine pseudoephedrine. Users should speak to their healthcare provider in order to determine if a decongestant is a beneficial way to tackle your allergy symptoms.