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Around 20% to 25% of Americans are plagued by seasonal allergies. You're especially targeted if you live in one of the top five most challenging "seasonal allergy cities." Wichita, Kansas, Virginia Beach, Virginia, Greenville, South Carolina, Dallas, and Oklahoma City are at the top of the list for places that have higher-than-average pollen counts, high sales of over-the-counter allergy medicine, and fewer allergists.

But wherever you are, you want to take steps to tamp down your allergic reaction.

-- The American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology suggests spring cleaning to remove the allergy-worsening dust, mold, and pet hair and dander that's accumulated over the winter. But don't open the windows to bring in "fresh" air -- that's an invitation to pollen to make itself at home.

-- If your central heat and air conditioning has filters, change them every three months. Use filters with a MERV rating of 11 or 12. Otherwise, consider several standalone HEPA air filters.

-- Don't have bloomers in the yard that you're allergic to. The most allergy-causing culprits include asters, chrysanthemums, daisies, sunflowers, lavender, baby's breath, and wisteria.

-- Supplements that may ease your allergy symptoms include the flavonoid quercetin which works as an antihistamine and probiotics that ease inflammation and promote immune system health.

-- Medications that you can get over the counter include second-generation antihistamines like fexofenadine and loratadine -- but don't take decongestants without your doctor's consent. They can raise blood pressure and cause a rapid or abnormal heartbeat. For more help with seasonal allergies, check out iHerb.com's blog "The Best Natural Remedies for Managing Allergies and Asthma."

Dr. Mike Roizen is the founder of www.longevityplaybook.com, and Dr. Mehmet Oz is global advisor to www.iHerb.com, the world's leading online health store. Roizen and Oz are chief wellness officer emeritus at Cleveland Clinic and professor emeritus at Columbia University, respectively. Together they have written 11 New York Times bestsellers (four No. 1's).

(c)2025 Michael Roizen, M.D.

Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.

(c) 2025 Michael Roizen, M.D. Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.