It’s officially spring! And with the blooming flowers and trees can come watery eyes, runny noses and itching for those with seasonal allergies.

These are a few of my favorite recommendations for patients to help them feel their best during allergy season.

For the nose:

Flonase (generic, Fluticasone) is a nasal steroid spray. It’s often considered first-line for allergies. Inflammation in the nose causes it to water, so the steroid helps to reduce that inflammation.
- A typical dose is 1 spray once per day for kids (4 years or older) and up to a max of 2 sprays twice per day for adults.
A natural alternative to Flonase is bee propalis spray.
- Propalis is produced by bees to help keep their hives clean. It works as a natural anti-inflammatory.
- It appears there isn't necessarily a direct relationship between a bee venom allergy and an allergy to bee propalis (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26110688/). If people can eat honey without symptoms, it's likely okay. Of course, talk with your doctor if there’s a concern or related allergy.
- A typical dose is 2-3 puffs per day in each nostril in adults and children >2 years of age.
Cromolyn nasal spray is another nice preventative option.
- Cromolyn stabilizes mast cells, preventing them from releasing the histamine from allergy cells that leads to allergy symptoms.
- It is best used prior to exposure (e.g., prior to going outside).
- A typical dose for adults and children >2 years old is 1 spray in each nostril every 4-6 hours.

For the Eyes:

Pataday (generic, olapatadine) is a topical antihistamine eye drop that helps with watery eyes.
- It is available over the counter.
- A typical dose is 1 drop in each eye once or twice daily for adults and children > 2 years of age.

Common antihistamine medications include Allegra, Zyrtec and Claritin.
- These are typically dosed once per day, but may be dosed twice per day with doctor’s recommendations.
Quercetin
- A naturally-occuring flavinoid found in foods such as apples, onions, etc.
- It works as a mast cell stabilizer, antihistamine, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, among many other ways.
- A typical dose for adults is 500-1000 mg twice daily, lower doses may be safe in children but have not been significantly studied.
- It’s not quite as fast-acting as the medications, so I tend to recommend this more preventatively before allergy season really gets into full swing.

As always, please see your own doctor for medical advice. You have a unique body, and deserve care tailored uniquely to you!