How to fight seasonal allergies

Get an early start. Because spring arrived early in much of the U.S., allergy season began early as well. Doctors recommend over-the-counter corticosteroid sprays such as Flonase for fighting the symptoms of pollen allergies, and advise starting two or more weeks before allergy season begins to give the medication's effect time to kick in. Consider the alternatives. Antihistamine sprays work more quickly but are available only by prescription. Allow 30 days before giving up on OTC treatment. For extreme cases, see an allergist who can do tests and administer shots that inoculate you to specific allergens. Don't forget saline sprays. Avoid overuse of medicated sprays. Saline sprays and rinses, though, can be regularly used safely to rinse pollen from nasal passages.