Springtime allergies: Solutions for a problem in full bloom

With allergy season starting early in some parts of the United States, and pollen counts higher than normal in others, you may be hearing more "gesundheits" than normal. Nip your allergy symptoms in the bud.

With a wet winter followed by an early and unusually warm spring in some areas, flowers are blooming and trees are budding ahead of schedule, sending pollen counts up the charts.

What can you do to put off the rosy glow that stems from a runny nose and frequent sneezing — common allergy symptoms signaling the start of spring?

Preventing seasonal sneezes and other budding symptoms

Short of duct taping your windows, you can't completely avoid seasonal allergens, but you can reduce your signs and symptoms and minimize your exposure with these simple reminders:

• Close doors and windows when pollen counts are high.
• Use air conditioning in your house and car. Air conditioning cleans, cools and dries the air.
• Stay indoors on dry, windy days. The best time to go outside is after a good rain, which helps clear pollen from the air.
• Use a dehumidifier to reduce indoor humidity.
• Use a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter in your bedroom and keep windows closed at night.
• Delegate lawn mowing, weed pulling and other gardening chores that stir up pollen and molds.

Spring cleaning at the root

Spring cleaning does wonders for clearing out the winter doldrums, but it's also good for reducing allergens.

• Use allergy-proof covers on mattresses, box springs and pillows.
• Wash sheets and blankets in water heated to at least 130 degrees Fahrenheite.
• Vacuum carpets weekly with a vacuum cleaner equipped with a small-particle or HEPA filter.
• Consider removing carpeting, especially where you sleep, if you're highly sensitive to dust mites.
• Think twice about letting your pet sleep on your bed or on your couch; pollen clings to pet fur.

When self-care measures aren't enough

In addition to using these self-care tips, you may want to talk to your doctor about allergy medications, such as nasal sprays, eyedrops or pills, to help control your signs and symptoms.

• Nasal corticosteroids. Corticosteroid nasal sprays are an effective medication for seasonal allergies and are often prescribed for troublesome symptoms. Examples include fluticasone propionate (Flonase), budesonide (Rhinocort), mometasone (Nasonex) and triamcinolone (Nasacort). You may not notice full improvement until after you've used these medications for a week or so.
• Antihistamines. Tried and true, these oral medications and nasal sprays help relieve itching, sneezing and runny nose for many people who have allergies, though they have less effect on allergy-related congestion. Antihistamines block an inflammatory chemical (histamine) released by your immune system during an allergic reaction. Over-the-counter oral antihistamines include diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton). Newer oral antihistamines — such as loratadine (Claritin, Alavert), which is available over-the-counter — are less likely to cause sedation. Prescription antihistamines, such as fexofenadine (Allegra), cetirizine (Zyrtec) and the nasal spray azelastine (Astelin), are helpful for allergic rhinitis.
• Decongestants. These medications are available in both over-the-counter and prescription liquids, tablets and nasal sprays. Oral decongestants include medications containing pseudoephedrine (Sudafed, Actifed, others). Nasal decongestants include phenylephrine (Neo-Synephrine) and oxymetazoline (Afrin). Oral decongestants can elevate blood pressure, so avoid them if you have high blood pressure. They can also worsen symptoms of prostate enlargement. Don't use a decongestant nasal spray for more than two or three days at a time because it can cause rebound congestion.
• Cromolyn sodium. This medication, available as an over-the-counter nasal spray (NasalCrom, others), helps relieve hay fever symptoms by preventing the release of histamine. It's most effective when started before signs and symptoms develop and sometimes must be used three or four times a day.
• Allergen immunotherapy. Also known as desensitization or allergy shots, this treatment may be right for you if medications don't control allergy symptoms or they cause significant side effects.

Before you settle for plastic flowers and artificial turf, try these simple and effective strategies to make your springtime as easy as a walk in the garden.

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