Tis the Season for the Sneezin'

This is a review of an article taken from WebMD, answering 10 questions that many patients suffering from allergies might have. This is in no way meant to treat or diagnose allergies. If you believe you are suffering from serious allergy symptoms, I recommend seeing your primary care physician.

http://www.utahpeoplespost.com/2014/03/most-challenging-places-to-live-with-spring-allergies-here-is-the-list/

I've tried to simplify their answers in this post. Questions include:
How do I know what I'm allergic to?
Simply, you cannot know exactly. You can have your primary care physician or allergist give you an allergy test which will determine if it's a type of mold, grass pollen, or weed.
How can I manage my allergies using over-the-counter medication?
Start with your daily antihistamine. If symptoms (nasal congestion, water eyes, itchy throat) continue, talk to your doctor about adding a corticosteroid nasal spray. You can also try lozenges or antihistamine eye drops to relieve symptoms. If getting an over-the-counter nasal spray, be very careful not to get one that could be addicting. Yes, the rumors are true, and this is possible. How do you know if a specific one can be addicting? Usually the label will say, "Do not use for more than 3 days at a time." Pay attention to this.
Beyond medication, what can I do to manage my allergies?
The most important thing to do is shower after you come home from being outside for a while, and wash your pajamas, beddings, and clothes as often as possible. Allergens are all over you when you get home. The worst thing you can can do is change out of those clothes, fold them back up, put on your pajamas, and get in bed with those allergens for 8 hours. Of course you will wake up congested and miserable.
What about the natural and alternative remedies I hear about: Do any work?
Start by talking to your doctor before trying anything alternative. However, a simple home remedy can be to mix 8 ounces of water with half a teaspoon of table salt in a spray bottle. You now have a saltwater nose spray!

http://childrens411.wordpress.com/2012/06/08/living-with-allergies/

Are antihistamines addictive too?
Experts have shown that antihistamines are in no way addictive.
I love the outdoors. How can I enjoy the warm weather with my allergies?
Simply take your antihistamines about 30 minutes before starting your day. Also, have decongestants and eyedrops on "standby."
When do I need prescription allergy medication?
After exhausting every option mentioned thus far, and your symptoms are not improving whatsoever, it may be time to see your primary care physician. He or she will prescribe drugs according to your specific degree of allergic reaction.
Do I need allergy shots?
Same answer as the previous question. After exhausting everything, including prescription medications, you can talk to your physician about this next step.
Is there hope on the horizon for those with spring allergies?
There is a new therapy under clinical trials called sublingual immunotherapy, which may replace allergy shots. However, it may be a couple years before we see it here in the US.
If I have allergies, will my kids have them too?
Unfortunately, if you have allergies, there is a 33% chance your kids will have them. If you and your spouse have allergies, the percentage jumps to 67%. Not much we can do about that.

Again, for more information, please visit the original article at WebMD, or talk to your primary care physician.