Over 35 million Americans suffer from seasonal allergies. Seasonal allergies run mostly from March through December. They are usually caused by plant pollens. In the western US, juniper is a primary source of pollen in the late winter and early spring. In the southwest, grasses pollinate for much longer than in other areas of the country, and in the fall pollen from weeds, such as tumbleweeds (Russian thistle), and sagebrush are major causes of allergies. Seasonal allergies can also be caused by mold spores which can be airborne during the spring, summer and fall.

This time of year it may be difficult to tell if your runny nose is due to a cold or an allergy. Here are some differences that may help you decide the cause. Cold symptoms, usually appear one at a time, first sneezing, then a runny nose, then congestion (stuffiness), for allergies, symptoms usually occur all at once. Symptoms usually last for 7 to 10 days during a cold, allergy symptoms will occur as long as allergens are present. Mucus discharge in a cold is often yellow and thick, in allergies it is clear, thin and watery. Sneezing is more common with allergies, especially when it is 2 or 3 times in a row. Colds are more common in the winter and early spring while allergies are more common when plants are pollinating, from spring through fall. Colds are often accompanied by fever, while allergies are not usually associated with fever. Allergies can involve the eyes, causing watering and itching. Eyes may become red and swollen. Seasonal allergies can trigger asthma symptoms.

Antihistamines are the first line of allergy treatment. Antihistamines are available both over-the-counter and by prescription. Older antihistamines such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and chlorpheniramine (Chor-Trimeton) are very effective but can cause severe drowsiness. As a matter of fact, diphenhydramine is also used as a sleep aid because of the degree of drowsiness it causes. Loratidine (Claritin, Alavert) is a non-sedating anti-histamine available over-the-counter. Decongestants are often combined with anti-histamines to relieve congestion. Pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine are common decongestants sold alone or in combination with anti-histamines to relieve allergy symptoms. Recent changes in federal law aimed at reducing pseudoephedrine as a source for making crystal meth require that patients show identification and sign for pseudoephedrine-containing products. Cromolyn nasal spray, available over-the-counter, is useful for preventing allergy symptoms if used regularly. It is most effective if started at the first sign of allergy symptoms. Corticosteroid nasal sprays available by prescription are also effective for preventing allergy symptoms. People who do not get relief from these products may get relief from leukotriene inhibitors like Singulair or from systemic corticosteroids like prednisone. Some people may benefit from allergen immunotherapy ("allergy shots"). Allergy shots are most effective when continued year-round. Antihistamine-decongestant eye drops are available over-the-counter and by prescription to treat eye symptoms. Prescription corticosteroid eye drops may also be used for severe eye symptoms.

Your pharmacist is an excellent source of information for the treatment of allergies because of the availability of so many over-the-counter products. Treatments work best if started early, so plan ahead if you suffer from seasonal allergies.

References: http://www.merck.com/mmhe/sec16/ch185/ch185b.html, http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=55042.

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