Nip seasonal allergies in the bud

(BPT) - When everything comes up roses, so do allergies. Forty million Americans suffer from outdoor and indoor allergies in the United States, making it one of the country's most common, yet overlooked health conditions. In fact, allergies are the fifth-leading chronic disease in the U.S. for all ages.

Allergic symptoms occur when a person's body overreacts to "allergens," often referred to as triggers. People can experience allergy triggers any time throughout the year. Allergy symptoms may include sneezing; runny nose; itchy, watery eyes and itchy nose or throat.

More than 2 million school days and 4 million missed or lost workdays are racked up each year due to seasonal allergies. However, with proper management and education, allergy symptoms can be relieved, allowing adults and children alike to continue their favorite activities inside and outside.

"As an allergist, I'm often addressing my patients' concerns about treating their allergy symptoms with a medicine that can relieve their symptoms quickly and doesn't make them tired or groggy," says Dr. Eli Meltzer, Allergy & Asthma Medical Group and Research Center. "I often recommend a trial of the newest option in the over-the-counter category, Allegra, to my patients. Allegra is the only branded antihistamine that combines fast*, non-drowsy, 24-hour relief from indoor and outdoor allergy symptoms. Patients don't have to accept their allergy symptoms or dismiss the possibility of their relief."

Dr. Meltzer has some additional tips to reduce allergen exposure and/or relieve allergy symptoms:

* Garden with greater ease: When doing yard work, keep hands away from your face to avoid contact with your eyes and nose. When finished pruning, planting and potting, don't bring gardening tools indoors, and immediately change into clean clothing. Showering following a gardening session can also help reduce symptoms.

* Sleep more soundly: Place removable allergen-resistant coverings on mattresses, pillows and box springs, and wash your bedding in hot water every 7 to 14 days.

* Keep indoor air clean: Keep the windows in your home and car closed, and don't forget to change filters in air conditioning units and vents frequently this time of year.

* Monitor the pollen count: Seasonal allergy symptoms can flare up when pollen counts are particularly high. Before heading out, check the local news or Internet for current pollen counts. If high pollen counts are forecasted, take an allergy medication before symptoms set in, and keep outdoor activity to a minimum when possible.

Allegra has a full family of products to help take care of your family during allergy season, including Allegra (12 and 24 hour), Allegra-D and Children's Allegra. For access to coupons worth up to $6 and to learn more about the Allegra offerings, visit www.allegra.com.

*Starts to work at hour one.