The sun is shining, flowers are blooming, and snot is flowing.

Oh, the joys of spring in the Ozarks. Most of us absolutely love living in such a gorgeous area, but for those with seasonal allergies, spring can be a miserable time. However, you aren’t destined to suffer for three months out of each year.

First, why do some people have “allergies?” When our body comes across something it identifies as bad, like bacteria, it sends in soldier cells to fight it off. In the case of seasonal allergies, our body gets confused and thinks it’s fighting off something bad, when in reality, pollen isn’t something “bad” that needs to be fought off. That leaves the allergy sufferer with a snotty nose (point of entry for pollen), itchy throat, watery eyes, and all around miserable.

Here are some interventions that can at least ease your symptoms, if not stop them completely.

First, identify what you’re allergic to and avoid it. This can be as simple as keeping an allergy diary and following the pollen counts. For example, I have a huge, beautiful oak tree in my front yard. I LOVE it, and so do the birds and squirrels. However, when that yellow pollen starts flying, I’m forced to abandon my front porch and watch from inside.

You can also have blood work done by your physician to help identify your allergies, or even go to an allergist for skin prick testing.

There are many ways to reduce your exposure to allergens. On windy dry days, try to stay inside. The best time to go outside is after a good rain, which helps clear the pollen from the air.

Also, avoid lawn mowing, pulling weeds, and gardening chores. If you decide you must be outside when pollen counts are high, wear a face mask to catch as many particles as possible before it gets to your nose.

If you’re driving, turn your air conditioning on to the interior only so you’re not sucking as much pollen in. This goes for home, as well, shut the windows and use the AC when your allergies are bothering you.

Now, what to do if you’re making all of these changes, and still need to shove tissue up your nose to make it through the workday? It might be time for medication.

Remember, you should always discuss new medications (even over-the-counter) with your physician or pharmacist. There are so many medications and medication combinations, it can be really confusing.

First of all, If you have high blood pressure, some of these medications can make it worse. Anytime a ”D” or “DM” is added to the end of the name (like allegra- D) it could potentially raise blood pressure. In addition, get the generic option. It’s generally much less expensive and for most patients will work just as well. There are many over-the-counter antihistamine options, such as Zyrtec, Allegra and Claritin. These help to relieve sneezing, itching and runny nose.

Corticosteroid nasal sprays (Flonase, Nasocort, Rhinocort) can be used for nose, eye, and even ear symptoms related to allergies. These are often used in addition to an oral antihistamine pill.

Oral decongestants (Sudafed) can also help with symptoms and are often added to antihistamines (for example, Zyrtec-D). However, these medications often raise blood pressure and should be discussed before starting.

Sinus rinses are also an inexpensive, quick way to flush out allergens and open up your sinuses. Essentially, you use a water bottle of saline (salt water) to rinse out the pollen from your nose, also helping soothe dry, irritated sinuses.

It feels a bit like drowning, but definitely an improvement from drowning in snot.

If all else fails (pun intended) see your doctor. All of the medications listed in this article are overthe- counter and readily available. The interventions are simple and safe.

However, there are many options that are prescription only and require more monitoring. These medications can give a ton of relief for allergy sufferers. You aren’t destined to drip to the sound of your own nose.

Happy Spring.

Dr. Lisa Roark is the owner of Roark Family Health and Medical Spa. She may be reached at 417-847-1111.