Josh Taylor, MD, board-certified
family medicine physician
As Colorado's snowy peaks yield to trees budding, flowers blooming and grass
growing, many of us find our noses feeling stuffy and starting to drip. If that's your
annual experience, you're not alone: It's estimated that 10 to 30 percent of the
population suffers from allergic rhinitis and is sneezing with you.
SINCE YOUR LOCAL drugstore has no shortage of
answers for these symptoms, I thought I'd offer some
tried-and-true methods for feeling better. First up:
fluticasone nasal spray. Studies have shown it provides
superior nasal relief compared with oral antihistamines.
Plus, there's the added bonus that it won't make you as
drowsy. Benadryl still has its place, but I always try the
nasal spray first.
When choosing a nasal spray, keep in mind that not all
are created equal. Oxymetazoline (Afrin), for example, is
a vasoconstrictor. Its main benefit is that it starts working
almost immediately. However, using this longer than
three days may cause rebound, which means you'll be
more stuffed up than when you started.
Another affordable and easy remedy is nasal saline
irrigation. That's right, regular old salt water can play
a supporting role for mild symptoms. A moist nose is a
happy nose—just ask your puppy. Rinsing off the nasal
mucosa can remove allergens and provide some good
relief. Plus, it's very safe during pregnancy.
If you'd like to get more into the weeds (no pun
intended) swing by and see me at CHPG Primary Care –
Firestone. We're located off Firestone Boulevard and
Echo Street. Happy hiking!
›
Do you have a primary care physician? If
not, you can schedule an appointment with
Dr. Taylor by contacting our CHPG Primary Care
office in Firestone at 303-649-3450, or visit us
at chpgprimarycare.org, where you can choose
a provider from one of the 30 locations that's
most convenient for you.
MELTING SNOW
AND THE
RUNNY NOSE
Tips for managing
springtim e a l l ergi es
By Josh Taylor, MD
303-651-5111 LUHCARES.ORG / 7
