Ask Karen: Treating allergies

Karen McNew / WSLS NewsChannel 10
Published: May 1, 2007

Q: Channel 10 had something that a person could use for allergies, if they couldn't take antihistamines. I can't remember the name of it except the second word was sodium. It can be used as a nasal spray or dropped into the eyes. Could you please tell me what it was-

Thanks,

Mary

A: Who isn't having problems with allergies- I know so many people who are trying to cope with the pollen going around. I've had some symptoms but nothing like the misery that many of you always plan for. The headache, scratchy throat and coughing can make it hard to function and difficult to sleep. Psychologists tell me without sleep everything can begin to fall apart in our lives.

We did have a feature in 10 On Your side Health Team that mentioned Cromolyn Sodium, if antihistamines and decongestants don't seem to work. It does come in a nose spray or eye drop and the story referenced that you could buy it at the drugstore.

There are so many options for treating allergies it can be hard to know for sure which one will work best for your symptoms. Talk to your pharmacist or doctor about what may or may not work for your symptoms.

A couple of quick notes about ways to try to minimize your pollen exposure from the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America:

*One easy way to prevent pollen from entering your home is to keep windows and doors closed.

*Use an air filter and clean it regularly or run the air conditioner and change the filter often.

*Stay inside during peak pollen times, usually between 10:00 a.m. And 4:00 p.m.

*Keep your car windows closed when traveling

*Stay indoors when humidity is high and on days with high wind, when dust and pollen are more likely to be in the air

*Wear a facemask if you are outside to limit the amount of pollen you inhale

*Shower after spending time outside to wash away pollen that collects on your skin and hair

Click here for more information about fighting allergies