Affordable ways to deal with allergies

by Darla Hernandez (darlah@wsbt.com)

Tools

(WSBT photo)

By WSBT News1

Story Created: May 18, 2009 at 2:36 PM EST

Story Updated: May 18, 2009 at 3:20 PM EST

Sneezing, sore throat and itchy eyes are all symptoms a lot of people suffer from in the spring. How can you get relief and not break the bank when it comes to allergies?

"It never really goes away,” says Dr. Jim Harris, an allergist with the South Bend Clinic. “It’s pretty much all summer long.”

Harris says plenty of over-the-counter medications are affordable.

"People now have Claritin, which went over-the-counter a few years ago. Zyrtec is available and Zyrtec D, so those work for the majority of people with allergies that are not that severe,” said Harris.

Harris says if you want to spend less than a dollar, take a table spoon of salt and then add water to a cup and flush your eyes and nose with the solution.

"If what you try over the counter isn't working, talk to your doctor, because there is relief available. There are a lot of things to do," Harris says.

Ask your doctor for samples of allergy medications. It will save you some money and you'll know if it works. Try out the medication before you get these prescriptions filled.

“Drugs are expensive,” said Harris. “I mean it's very easy to spend $50 to $100 a month or more. It's still better than feeling lousy, but it does cost some money."

So if staying inside with the air conditioning running isn't an option, look for pharmacies with generics, and discounted prices.

And Doctor Harris says once you start taking allergy medication, stick to it.

"Take it everyday and stay ahead of it before it gets out of control, because then it's that much harder to get it under control," he said.

More Good Stuff

WSBT Weather

Current Temp 58.2

More Weather

WSBT Weather

More Weather

On Demand

iPhone
Get the WSBT News and Irish Sports Report apps for your iPhone! Read more »
On DVD
Order a DVD of a WSBT news story! Read more »
Twitter
Follow us on Twitter! Read more »
Facebook
Connect with us on Facebook! Read more »
WSBT E-News
Daily StormTracker e-mails right to your Inbox! Read more »
Video On Demand
Miss a story on WSBT News? Watch it here! Read more »
CBS Shows
Watch CBS shows and news online, free! Read more »
WSBT Alert
Breaking News & Weather right to your cell phone! Read more »
Mobile
WSBT News on the go for your cell phone or PDA. Read more »
RSS Feeds
Get news and updates as soon as they're published. Read more »

Stock Quotes

YouNews

This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.