Healthy Tips and Medications to Help Relieve Seasonal Allergies.

Spring is in the air and that means allergy season!  If you’re like thousands of other Americans you’re less than excited about facing the return of seasonal allergy symptoms like itching, sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, or perhaps year-round allergic rhinitis (i.e. hay fever).

The start of allergy season depends on where you live.  In the southern United States allergy season can start in January and in other parts of the United States it can start in April or even May.  According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) more than 50 million Americans experience allergies every year. In fact, allergies are the 6^th leading cause of chronic illness in the United States.

[su_box title="Fact:" box_color="#e0f1fa" title_color="#303030" radius="7"] There is some evidence that climate change may be a factor in the increase in allergies.  Between 1995 and 2011 the warmer temperatures in the United States have caused the pollen season to be anywhere from 11 to 27 days longer, creating more severe asthma attacks and causing more allergies. Source: www.aafa.org[/su_box]

While there may not be a cure for seasonal allergies, there are some medications that may help relieve the discomfort and symptoms of seasonal allergies.  Two of these medications are Nasonex® Nasal Spray and the generic equivalent mometasone nasal spray.

Prescription Mometasone Nasal Spray is the generic form of prescription Nasonex® Nasal Spray .  The active ingredient is mometasone furoate.

The active ingredient in prescription Nasonex® Nasal Spray is also mometasone furoate.

Mometasone furoate is an anti-inflammatory corticosteroid used to treat seasonal and year-round allergies. It works by reducing inflammation and swelling of the nasal passages.  In some cases, where acute rhinosinusitis shows signs of possible bacterial infection, Nasonex® may be prescribed as an add-on to antibiotic treatment.  It has also been used in the treatment of nasal polyps in adults over the age of 18 years.

Nasonex® Nasal Spray and Mometasone Nasal Spray are both available in 50 mcg sprays, either 140 doses, 280 doses, or 420 doses. 

Using a nasal spray is simple.  While your nasal spray will come with instructions, here is a basic idea of how to use a nasal spray:

1. Gently blow your nose.
2. Shake the nasal spray lightly.
3. Remove the cap.
4. Hold the nasal spray bottle upright, with your fingers on either side of the nozzle.
5. Slightly tilt your head forward (not backward).
6. Place one finger on one nostril to close it.
7. Place the nasal spray nozzle in your other nostril.
8. While pressing the applicator firmly between your thumb and fingers, inhale gently to allow the spray to enter your nasal passage.
9. Exhale through your mouth as you remove the nasal spray nozzle from your nostril.
10. Repeat the steps for your other nostril.
11. Clean the nozzle completely before replacing the cap.

If you have questions about how to use a nasal spray or if you are apprehensive about using it, speak to our pharmacist who will help you understand the instructions and give you some suggestions for making using the spray more comfortable.

Dosage depends on the patient’s medical condition and response to medications.  Mometasone does not work immediately upon use, taking anywhere from 2 days to 2 weeks for the medication’s full effect to be felt.   With this in mind, it is important to begin taking mometasone before allergy season begins. In some areas where pollen season is particularly bothersome, it may be a good idea to begin taking the medication up to four weeks before allergy season even begins.

Tell your doctor if you are taking any other prescription medications, over the counter medications, supplements or vitamins to make sure they do not interfere with your prescription.

While many people who take this medication will not experience any negative side effects, others may experience nose/throat irritation, dryness, and possible nosebleeds.  Always report any negative side effects to your pharmacist as soon as possible.

What can you do to help take the struggle out of allergy season?

• Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter, and change the filter frequently.
• Keep pillows and mattresses in dust-mite-proof covers.
• In the winter, keep humidity below 55%, as turning up the heat can release house dust and trigger winter allergy attacks.
• Check the National Allergy Map to see what the pollen levels are in your area. 
• Stay indoors on windy, dry days. Pollen counts are usually highest in the morning.
• Avoid hanging clothes and laundry outside, as pollen can and will stick to the material.
• If you go for a walk or spend a significant amount of time outside, remove your clothes when you get indoors and shower to remove the pollen from your hair and skin.
• Avoid lawn mowing or weeding to distance yourself from the allergens in the air.

Seasonal allergies are a truly uncomfortable nuisance that may be unavoidable. However, with medication and certain lifestyle changes, there may be some relief.

Further information on Nasonex® Nasal Spray  can be found at the following link: Learn More