Knowing whether your runny nose, itchy eyes or tiredness are related to a cold or allergies can feel unclear. Colds are caused by viruses and typically last five to seven days. Allergy symptoms are an immune system response to environmental triggers, like pollen, and can last several weeks or even months. How you address your symptoms depends on the underlying cause.
Most seasonal allergy symptoms respond well to over-the-counter medications. You don’t have to miss the outdoor fun this summer. Find the best treatment option for you, and return to your favorite outdoor activities.
Over-the-counter allergy treatment
These over-the-counter medications and interventions can help relieve summer allergy symptoms.
Nasal steroid sprays
Studies support that daily and consistent use of nasal steroid sprays offers the single best option to treat allergy symptoms. Flonase (fluticasone), Nasacort (triamcinolone) and Rhinocort (budesonide) are all equally effective when used daily. These medications can take a few days to become effective.
Antihistamine sprays or oral medication
If nasal steroids don’t entirely relieve symptoms, add either a nasal antihistamine spray, like Astepro (azelastine) or Patanase (olopatadine). You can also try an oral non-drowsy antihistamine, like Zyrtec (cetirizine), Claritin (loratadine) or Allegra (fexofenadine). When used with a nasal steroid spray daily, they are very effective.
Antihistamine eye drops
If eye irritation is your main issue, you can also use antihistamine eye drops. Brands include Pataday or Patanol (olopatadine), Zaditor (ketotifen) or Azelastine. Contact lens wearers should apply the drops a few minutes before placing their lenses.
Saline rinses
Using a neti pot or NeilMed saline rinse helps to physically remove pollens and irritants from the nasal passages and sinuses. Only use the included salt packets and distilled water for the saline rinse solution.
Visit your primary care provider
If you’ve tried all the recommended treatments daily for at least one to two weeks without relief or you develop a fever, it’s time to see your primary care provider for additional evaluation.
Ways to reduce allergens in your home
Allergens are not only a problem when we are outside. Pollen and other irritants can enter our homes and exacerbate allergy symptoms. You can take a few steps to help remove these unwanted particles from your home.
Campus medical services
Find the support you need to manage seasonal allergies through Medical Services.
Primary Care
If your symptoms linger or you suspect you may have an illness instead of allergies, you can schedule an in-person or telehealth visit with Primary Care.
Allergy Clinic
Medical Services offers an allergy clinic to support students receiving allergy shots through their allergist. While we do not provide allergy testing, we can continue your treatment per your allergist’s care plan.
The Apothecary
Visit the Apothecary at Wardenburg Health Center for all your over-the-counter allergy medication needs. Our full-service pharmacy is open to students, faculty, staff and the community.