NHC Family Physician Dr. Androuw Carrasco

By NHC Family Physician Dr. Androuw Carrasco

After a long and rainy winter, Oregonians experience some of the worst seasonal allergies in the country. The Willamette Valley tends to have very high pollen counts in late spring and early summer.

The most common allergy symptoms are congestion, runny nose, sinus pressure, watery or itchy eyes, and sneezing. Some people with allergies only have a mild cough, usually in the evening.

1. Try over-the-counter antihistamines.  We encourage people with allergies to first try over-the-counter oral antihistamines like Zyrtec or Claritin and nasal saline spray, which can be helpful.
2. Avoid taking Sudafed.  Providers strongly discourage people with allergies from using Sudafed or other products with pseudoephedrine, especially if you have high blood pressure. These products are dangerous for anyone to take for more than five days.
3. Choose daytime antihistamines over Benadryl.  We also discourage people from taking Benadryl for allergies because of the side effects – it can cause drowsiness and make it harder to complete daily tasks. Zyrtec and Claritin do not cause the same side effects as Benadryl and are therefore recommended instead.
4. If nothing helps, make an appointment.  If over-the-counter antihistamines and nasal saline spray don't help you feel better, make an appointment with your provider. A further evaluation can help us find a better solution, such as stronger medications.

Did you know you can see specific pollen counts for your area? Visit pollen.com and enter your zip code.