The flowers are blooming and so are allergens. Allergies are very common. Chances are, you suffer from allergies or know someone that does. Allergies are one of the most commonly reported chronic health conditions. About eight percent of adults suffer from seasonal allergies.
An allergy happens when your body reacts to a foreign substance. This is called an allergen. Allergens can be food you eat, things you touch and stuff you breathe in, like pollen and mold – especially during seasonal changes.
Seasonal allergies are most present in the spring and fall. Peak months in Illinois are May, June and mid-August through the end of September. When spring is in full effect, you may start noticing changes. People who suffer from allergies can experience more coughing, sneezing, watery eyes, a drippy nose or a scratchy throat. In extreme cases, people may have trouble breathing which can even lead to asthma attacks.
For some people, allergies can be more than a small inconvenience. They can impact your focus, affect your sleep routine and generally make you feel miserable. While there is no cure, you can manage allergies with prevention and treatment. Here are a few steps you can take:
- Know your triggers: Pay attention to what sets off an allergic reaction. Mark the time, location and activity you were doing to help identify your allergen. Sometimes something as simple as your environment may be a trigger.
- Get proper treatment: There are many over-the-counter (OTC) medications that can help ease symptoms. As an Aetna Better Health® of Illinois member, your household gets a $25 monthly allowance to order OTC items online, by phone or at a CVS® store. Take a look at a few options below.
- Antihistamines help reduce runny nose, sneezing and itchy eyes. Eye drops and saline nasal sprays are also very effective.
- Decongestants provide relief from stuffiness. They take away pressure from nasal and sinus congestion, too. You can also use a nasal rinse to flush allergens.
- Nasal steroid sprays can be prescribed by a doctor for severe allergies. These nasal sprays reduce severe congestion, headache, sneezing and itchy eyes.
- Allergy shots are available if symptoms become too much. Talk to your doctor about your options. This is a longer form of treatment that can span several years. However, this treatment is very effective in creating a tolerance for allergens.
- Pay attention to the weather: In spring, rain is quite common. However, rain unfortunately leads to higher pollen levels. When you combine heat and humidity, mold grows very quickly, too. These factors all play a role in triggering allergies.
- Check pollen count: Many weather apps now have pollen count and air quality measures that you can review before going outside. If air quality is bad, make sure that you’re keeping up to date with your allergy medications. Wear a filtered mask when outside or doing yardwork to avoid breathing in allergens. You can also plan to stay inside when air quality is too bad.
The key to an easier allergy season is to stay patient and consistent. It might take a few variations of daily routines and medications before you get to the best treatment for you. Take your time to find out what works for you. Aetna Better Health® of Illinois is here to help and encourages you to focus on your health while continuing to enjoy your spring.
You can set up a visit by calling your doctor’s office or Member Services at 1-866-329-4701 (TTY:711).