Tips to help reduce allergy symptoms

Whether you suffer from the effects of seasonal outdoor allergens or year-round indoor allergens, there are steps you can take to make your symptoms less severe or alleviate them altogether.

Dan Forrer, Student Health and Wellness Center chief of staff, says several types of medicine are available to ease allergy symptoms. Over-the-counter antihistamines are popular, although they may cause drowsiness. Decongestants like pseudoephedrine do not typically cause drowsiness but may cause other side effects like rapid heart rate or insomnia, he says.

Forrer also recommends non-sedating antihistamines such as fexofenadine (Allegra) and desloratadine (Clarinex), which require prescriptions (see article above). Claritin, which previously was a prescription-only medication but is now available over the counter, is also non-sedating.

He says anti-inflammatory nasal sprays that contain steroids or cortisone medication relieve nasal mucosal inflammation resulting from an allergen exposure.

In addition to medication, people can take several steps to reduce their exposure to allergens, thus reducing allergy symptoms. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology recommends the following steps:

• Use different types of air filters to help reduce exposure to allergens.
• Use zippered, plastic covers on pillows and mattresses to reduce the presence of dust.
• Wash bedding and stuffed animals in hot water (130°F) weekly.
• Keep indoor relative humidity below 50 percent because house mites — microscopic organisms that are a common allergen — need high humidity to live and grow.
• Fix leaky faucets and pipes.
• Keep pets out of bedrooms and frequently vacuum rooms.
• Wash pets frequently to decrease the amount of dander, urine and dried saliva on your pet.

BY MAGAN HENDON inhouse@unt.edu

Other featured articles in this issue

• UNT presses forward with plans to create Honors College
• UNT to celebrate University, Alumni Appreciation, Honors days in April
• Volunteers needed for third annual UNT Beautification Day on April 2
• Queer Eye for the Straight Guy episode featuring UNT airs this month
• Prescription plan shift puts all non-sedating antihistamines in most expensive tier
• Driving while intoxicated exacts a high price
• Signs installed on campus as smoking policy reminders
• Spring brings Texas severe weather season
• Staff honored with awards presented at sack lunch

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