Ah, spring – baseball is starting, school is ending, and for many, the pollen is really punching. Which means the sneezing and itching and dripping and eye-rubbing make the whole season miserable.
This year, it could be different. If you've had allergies for a while, you have your arsenal of meds, but make sure you have the latest versions. And consider a battle plan that uses the clock wisely.
You probably know how your allergic attacks happen: An allergen binds to certain cells, which release a molecule called histamine. That then binds to receptors that trigger all the symptoms you know about allergic rhinitis – sneezing, a runny nose, red eyes, itching, stuffiness, and more.
Over-the-counter antihistamines block that binding; some are combined with decongestants for those with stuffy noses.
