Seasonal allergies in Columbia, SC (plus a field trip!)

I had fun doing this blog post, so I may continue to take field trips in the future 😊
Just a few more words on seasonal allergy treatments:

1. There is not much of a difference between the newer antihistamines – cetirizine, fexofenadine and loratadine – so feel free to choose whichever one is cheapest! If one does not work, you can always switch to a different one.
2. Steroid nose sprays (Flonase, Nasacort, etc.) work well, but they can cause a bloody nose, so aim the nozzle slightly away from the middle of your nose (the septum). Here’s a great article on how to use nasal sprays correctly: https://familydoctor.org/nasal-sprays-how-to-use-them-correctly/
3. One nasal spray that I did not see at the pharmacy was Nasalcrom. This spray is not often talked about, but can be effective at keeping allergy symptoms at bay. However, it is only effective if you start to use it before your allergy season starts. It does not relieve symptoms, and you have to use it 3-4 times per day.

Noreta Family Medicine Prices for Allergy Medicines

Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) 25mg– 100 tablets – $3.45
Cetirizine (Zyrtec) 10mg tablets – 100 tablets – $6.70
Lortadine (Claritin) 10mg tablets – 100 tablets – $5.41
Fexofenadine (Allegra) 180mg tablets – 100 tablets – $20.03
Fluticasone (Flonase) nasal spray – 1 bottle – $6.39
Triamcinolone (Nasacort) nasal spray – 1 bottle – $16.04
Saline nasal spray – 44mL -$3

AAAAI homemade nasal saline spray recipe – https://www.aaaai.org/conditions-and-treatments/library/allergy-library/saline-sinus-rinse-recipe *** Make sure you read and follow all of the directions for this recipe! ***