6 surprising tips for tackling allergy season

Spring means longer days, warmer weather, and… relentless sneezing? If you’re one of the millions of people dealing with seasonal allergies, you understand the struggle. 

At Rezilient, we’re all about helping you stay ahead of symptoms. We sat down with Maggie Lewis, one of our seasoned Nurse Practitioners, to talk about allergy triggers, what actually works, and how Rezilient can help you breathe easier this allergy season. 

Here are Maggie’s top tips (including a few you might not expect!):

1. Start with allergy meds before your symptoms kick in

“If you know your allergies tend to flare up in spring or fall, don’t wait until you’re reaching for the tissues. Start taking your medication early,” Maggie says. Whether it’s Allegra, Claritin, or another over-the-counter option, being proactive helps your body stay ahead of the histamine response that causes allergy symptoms in the first place.

2. Not all antihistamines are created equal. Try different ones

“If one medicine doesn’t work, don’t give up,” Maggie says. “There are multiple types of antihistamines, and some are better for certain symptoms than others.” She also noted that some patients do better with brand names (like herself with Allegra) over generics. The bottom line? Your perfect combo may take some trial and error and your Rezilient provider can help you find it.

3. Don’t ignore indoor allergens like dust mites

“Allergies aren’t just about pollen. Dust mites are one of the biggest culprits and they live in your bedding,” Maggie explains. She recommends using dust mite covers on pillows and mattresses, changing linens frequently, and using a HEPA filter when vacuuming to help prevent allergens spreading through your home. 

4. A daily nasal spray can be a game-changer

Maggie swears by Flonase: “It helps you shrink the swelling in your sinuses and makes it easier to breathe without systemic side effects like weight gain.” Histamine decreases our hunger by, in part, affecting the appetite control center in our brains, and it makes sense an antihistamine would have an opposite effect. These drugs can interfere with the “I’m full” signal coming from the rest of our bodies and lead to overeating. Nasal sprays help block allergens from entering your system and are safe for long-term use when taken as directed. 

5. Allergies can mimic other illnesses – get it checked out

“People will come in thinking they have sinus infections, but often it’s just allergies,” Maggie says. A persistent runny nose, itchy eyes, or swollen sinuses that last more than a week are likely allergies. The only way to know for sure is to book a visit with your provider.

6. Your Rezilient care team is here to help, virtually or in-person. 

Whether you’re struggling with symptoms or just not sure where to start, Rezilient can help. “We can do a full exam, rule out anything more serious, recommend medications, or refer you to an allergist if needed,” Maggie says. “And if something isn’t working, we’ll work with you to adjust your treatment.” 

The best part? With same-day virtual appointments and convenient CloudClinics, getting relief is easier than ever.

Book an appointment today. Your sinus will thank you.