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<\/a><\/p>\nKnow the signs. <\/b>\u00a0Both colds and allergies can cause sneezing, stuffiness, or a runny nose. But there are telltale differences between a cold and seasonal allergy. Ask yourself these five questions. The more times you answer \u201cyes,\u201d the greater the chance the culprit is a seasonal allergy.<\/span>1<\/span><\/p>\n Limit triggers. <\/b>Birch, cedar, cottonwood, and pine are big allergy triggers in the spring. The other plants that cause problems depend upon where you live. <\/span><\/p>\n Just when you\u2019re itching to get outdoors after a long winter, you may be better off staying inside. Try to limit your outdoor activities on days with high pollen counts\u2014especially between 10 am and 4 pm, when pollen counts are highest. Windy days are the worst because wind can really kick up the pollen. You can find <\/span>pollen counts for your area<\/span><\/a> through the National Allergy Bureau (NAB). Here you can also sign up for personalized email pollen alerts.<\/span>2<\/span><\/p>\n In addition, keep windows closed at home and in your car. For extra protection, you might try adding a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter to your furnace or air conditioner. It also helps to take an afternoon or early evening shower to keep pollen off your pillow. Likewise, at the end of the day, wipe off any pets that have been outdoors. And, take off your shoes before coming inside to keep from tracking in pollen.<\/span>3,4<\/span><\/p>\n Allergy relief aids. <\/b>So right about now, you may be thinking: But how do I get relief? I can advise you about over-the-counter (OTC) remedies. Antihistamines treat symptoms such as sneezing and itchy nose or throat. Nasal or oral decongestants can help with nasal stuffiness. Eye drops relieve itchiness. Please don\u2019t hesitate to ask me any questions you have about side effects or how long you can safely use these drugs.<\/span><\/p>\n If OTC drugs don\u2019t do the trick, you might want to see an allergist, a doctor who specializes in treating allergies. Some people need other medications or allergy shots to feel better.<\/span>4<\/span><\/p>\n Nothing herein constitutes medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, or is a substitute for professional advice.\u00a0 You should always seek the advice of your physician or other medical professional if you have questions or concerns about a medical condition.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Sources:<\/b><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n\n
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\n<\/span>AAAAI: \u201cSpring Allergies.\u201d Available at: <\/span>https:\/\/www.aaaai.org\/Aaaai\/media\/MediaLibrary\/PDF%20Documents\/Libraries\/EL-Spring-Allergies-patient.pdf<\/span><\/a> \u00a0Accessed 2-25-16.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n