The Benefit of Taking Allergy Medicines Before Symptoms Start
Thomas Tami MD, an ear nose and throat specialist at Group Health, a TriHealth Physician Partner, answers a Local 12 viewer question on the benefit of taking allergy medications before feeling any symptoms.
While Dr. Tami says he cannot be positive that Cincinnati is going to have a bad ragweed season, he does think it's likely, "mostly because of the weather we've had."
What is the Advantage of Taking Allergy Medications Early?
While some medications–like antihistamines-are fast-acting, others, like nasal steroid sprays, take longer to work.
"If you start on that treatment about a week or so before allergies hit, you have a much better allergy season than if you have symptoms and you're forever trying to catch up," Dr. Tami explains.
Learn more about allergies and how to manage symptoms in our Health Library: