Pharmacist Todd Morris of The Corner Drug in Pickens says many people who come into the pharmacy during springtime need allergy medication, although they ask for cough and cold medicine. Emily Wright/Courier

By Olivia Fowler

Courier Staff

If you suffer from allergies every spring, you are not alone. More and more people seem to have the same problem.

Pharmacist Todd Morris of The Corner Drug in Pickens says pollen is likely the culprit.

“During the last three to four years, pollen counts have been astronomical,” Morris said. “We have had people coming in with allergies who have never been bothered with it before.”

Morris says a lot of people who come into the pharmacy are looking for over-the-counter medication for coughs and colds, when what is really needed is allergy medication.

How can you tell the difference? If you’re suffering from an allergy, your first symptoms will probably include sneezing and watery eyes. You will not run a fever as you may with a cold.

The body has a natural defense system when dealing with pollen or other allergens. It will produce extra fluid to try to wash out the allergens. That’s why a runny nose and watery eyes are part of the symptoms.

It’s important to remember that leaving an allergy untreated can cause other problems. If untreated, inflammation and infection can set in. For example, if sinuses don’t drain properly, the problems associated with allergies can escalate.

A number of medications formerly available only with a prescription are now sold over the counter. Among those are Claritin, Zyrtec and Allegra. Any of these can eliminate symptoms without causing drowsiness.

However, Morris cautions, a person who has asthma or is pregnant should always talk to their doctor before taking any allergy medication to learn what is safe for them to take. People should also talk to their doctor or pharmacist about drug interactions.

If you know that outdoor activity triggers allergy symptoms, plan ahead.

It’s recommended that medication be taken beforehand. Since Claritin, Zyrtec and Allegra are effective for 12 to 24 hours and can be taken every day, it is possible to take the medication well beforehand so the great outdoors can be enjoyed in comfort.

Morris says it’s important to keep in mind that everyone is different, and the medication that works well for one person may not be as effective for someone else.

The only way to find out which medication works best is to try it. If the first one tried doesn’t work well, try another.

Although Benadryl is also used to treat allergies, it is important to note that one of its side effects is drowsiness. So, if the outdoor activity of choice requires a person to be alert, with good reflexes, Morris recommends Benadryl be avoided.

Recently, over-the-counter eye drops have become available to help combat watery eyes. Among those are Opcon-A, Allaway and Zaditor.

Visine also makes allergy eye drops, as well as those for treating red eyes.

Morris says to read labels carefully when buying eye drops to make sure that you are buying drops for eye allergies rather than drops just to treat red eyes.

Now that warmer weather is right around the corner, we’ll all spend a lot more time outdoors. So whether you plan to garden, mow grass, play golf, ride bikes, kayak, hunt or fish, be prepared. You can learn to live comfortably with your allergies.