While most of us are happy to put winter behind us and enjoy the warm spring weather, there are many people who dread spring because of allergies. Allergy relief can be difficult to find and although there are numerous products and treatments available, not all of them work or have lasting results.

If you have not found any relief with allergy medications in the past, you may be in luck because the Food And Drug Administration has just approved two new dissolvable pills that may be better at treating allergies and could replace painful and annoying allergy shots. More pills will be approved over the next few months.

Avoiding the outdoors during times when pollen counts are the highest can also help ease your allergy symptoms. In most areas, pollen counts are the highest between 5 a.m. and 10 a.m. There are numerous apps and websites that will tell you how high the pollen count is and what times of day it is at its highest. If you need to be outside, try to do it when pollen counts are low or after it rains.

Many people are able to find relief with over-the-counter medications like Benadryl, but avoid using the medicine because it makes them drowsy. There are several other medications that do not cause drowsiness but can relieve your allergy symptoms. Look for the letter “D” on the box of antihistamines if you want one that does not cause drowsiness.

Seasonal allergies can be annoying and frustrating, but just remember you are not alone. Millions of people suffer from allergies and have different ways of dealing with them.

My allergies hate me right now.

— Jalonni (@Jahlawn_Knee) April 22, 2014

has anyone ever died of seasonal allergies? besides me right now I mean

— Emily Gould (@EmilyGould) April 22, 2014

In honor of Earth Day I took extra Sudafed. Because screw you seasonal allergies.

— Sadie Smith (@SadieSmithRoks) April 22, 2014

It's Earth Day! Dear Earth, Pollen is awful and causes me horrible allergies I have to heavily medicate. You are awful. Love, Mitsu.

— That Reggie Guy (@MitsuReiji) April 22, 2014

No wonder these allergies got me feelin some type of way pic.twitter.com/pXEUcxnebi

— Patricia Hernandez (@Pattyswag420) April 22, 2014

Every winter I'm excited for spring….then I'm reminded I have allergies..cool

— Persia Grai (@CallMePeige) April 22, 2014

My eyes redder than the devils is. Damn allergies pic.twitter.com/bg19Uzvidn

— Keem (@DreamCast_K) April 22, 2014

The tyranny of pollen must be stopped! Do your part to help the cause: crush a flower and with it the evil spirit of seasonal allergies

— MaTTcom (@MaTTcomGO) April 21, 2014

Try several different medications to determine which one works best for you and avoid the outdoors on high pollen count days.

Remember, there are plenty of simple ways you can help reduce your allergy symptoms as well. Shut your windows and doors during peak pollen hours, use a fan or air conditioner to help with ventilation, shower often to remove pollen and other allergens from your body and use eye drops and nasal sprays to help prevent your eyes and nose from drying out or becoming itchy.

Good luck with your battle against seasonal allergies.

Image via Wikimedia Commons