Seasonal allergy treatment and hassle-free online care

Question 1

What are allergies?

Answer

Allergies are a common condition affecting around 50 million Americans. Seasonal allergies happen when the immune system reacts to substances like pollen, dust or mold. People with medication or food allergies react to specific foods and medicines.

The reaction can irritate the sinuses, airways, skin or digestive system. Most cases are annoying and uncomfortable. But some can trigger life-threatening symptoms.

Question 2

What are the symptoms of seasonal allergies?

Answer

Common symptoms include sneezing, a runny nose and itchy or watery eyes. Serious symptoms include face swelling, difficulty breathing, itchy skin, hives, a red rash or face and tongue or lip swelling.

Question 3

What causes allergies?

Answer

Think of an allergic reaction like a false alarm. The immune system senses substances that are not actually harmful. But it creates antibodies anyway.

These substances—or allergens—include:

Environmental allergens like high grass, tree and weed pollen counts
Medication allergens like penicillin and sulfonamide antibiotics
General allergens like mold, latex, pet dander and dust mites

Question 4

How long do allergies last?

Answer

There’s no cure for allergies. The condition can last a lifetime—and your allergic response may improve or get worse over time. Allergic reactions can start at any age. But they usually begin during childhood.

Question 5

Are allergies genetic?

Answer

Anyone can develop allergies. But they’re more likely to develop if a biological parent has them—so researchers do believe that genes play a role.

Question 6

What are the symptoms of allergies vs. pink eye?

Answer

It may be hard to tell if you have allergy eyes vs pink eye symptoms. Pink eye can also cause red, itchy and watery eyes. But pink eye also causes eye discharge, crusting of the eyelids and significant irritation or burning. And it doesn’t include common allergy symptoms like sneezing, runny nose or nasal congestion.

Question 7

When is allergy season?

Answer

In much of the U.S., environmental allergies can start as early as February and last until November. Many people experience a peak during the spring pollen season. And some experience allergies in winter, too.

Question 8

What are some ways to improve allergy symptoms?

Answer

The right prescription or over-the-counter medication can help you manage symptoms. But lifestyle changes play a part, too. To limit allergic reactions, you can:

Avoid allergens by limiting yard work, wearing a mask outside or staying indoors during dry conditions.
Use a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter, air conditioner or dehumidifier to help eliminate allergens in your home.
Rinse out your sinuses with a salt and water solution—called nasal irrigation. This can help flush out allergens and mucus from the nasal passages.

Question 9

What are the treatments available for allergies?

Answer

Common allergy medications include leukotriene receptor antagonists like Montelukast and its brand version Singulair. Prescription and other over-the-counter antihistamines include Azelastine, Cetirizine and Zerviate eye drops.

Question 10

How are allergy treatments taken?

Answer

Allergy medicines come in a few different forms. How you’ll take them depends on your symptoms and your medical provider’s recommendations. Oral medications come as capsules, tablets and chewable tablets. Nasal spray and eye drops can help treat watery or itchy eyes.

Question 11

What are common allergy treatment side effects?

Answer

Common side effects of allergy treatment may include stomach pain, headache, tiredness or sore throat. These symptoms are typically mild and may lessen over time. Talk to your provider if side effects continue for a long time or get worse.

Question 12

What should I do when allergy medicine doesn't work?

Answer

If you’ve followed directions and your prescription hasn’t worked, talk to your medical provider. They may suggest a different treatment plan or adjust your current medication dosage.

Question 13

How much does allergy treatment cost?

Answer

Consultation: A virtual medical consultation for allergy costs $15, which is lower than most doctor copays. Currently, we don’t submit medical consultation claims to insurance companies. But you can use insurance for any resulting prescription at your pharmacy.

Medication: Dr. B only charges for the medical consultation. When medications are prescribed, we let you choose the most affordable or convenient pharmacy to fill the prescription. Your medication prices will vary depending on your insurance coverage and whether the drug is a brand or generic.

Question 14

Do you accept insurance?

Answer

Right now, we don’t submit medical consultation claims to health insurance companies. But you can use insurance for any resulting prescriptions at your pharmacy.