ShopGot a stuffy nose? Your FSA can fix that
It may only be early Fall, but cold and flu season is slowly becoming a reality all over the U.S. You may be hearing more sneezing around the office or your kids are coming home from school with the sniffles, your risk of catching a virus is certainly heightened during this time of year.
So, if you're dreading that lump in your throat that signals the arrival of an unwelcome cold, your flexible spending account (FSA) can certainly help you prepare! Your FSA covers a huge range of cold and flu products, especially those that can fight nasal congestion. If you feel a stuffy nose coming on, be sure to use your flex dollars on these qualified health products!
- Saline Nasal Wipes
One of the worst side effects of any cold is the dry, inflamed skin around your nose that can form after blowing your nose dozens of times with standard tissues. As cold and flu season kicks off, use your FSA funds to pick up soothing saline nasal wipes that are less abrasive against the skin and moisturize the underlying skin layers as well!
- Neti Pot
Are you looking for a drug-free method to treat nasal congestion? Try saline irrigation! Through the use of an FSA-eligible Neti pot, you can whip up a saline solution with products you already have around the house. According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, an effective saline rinse can be made with 1 cup of lukewarm water, 3 teaspoons of iodide-free salt and 1 teaspoon of baking soda. Using a Neti pot, this solution can be flushed through the nasal cavities to remove mucous, allergens and environmental irritants to clear your breathing passages.
- Steam Inhaler
Another great option for those who are not comfortable with the idea of using a Neti pot but still would like a drug-free treatment method can try a steam inhaler! Much like the feeling you have after stepping out from a hot shower, a steam inhaler will clear your passageways with soothing steam that can break down mucous, remove irritants, and help you breathe clearer during the worst of your cold symptoms.
- Eye Mask
Contending with a sinus headache? Having trouble sleeping with your cold? A soothing eye mask is a quick solution! These helpful home treatment products can provide both hot and cold therapy directly to your face to treat headache pain, relieve dark circles under your eyes and help you sleep during the worst of your cold symptoms.
This cold and flu season, use your FSA card to keep your family healthy at FSAstore.com! We have over 4,000 FSA-eligible products to help you maximize the potential of your tax-free healthcare funds!
Saline Wipes
Soothe stuffy noses with saline wipes, a gentle alternative to tissues.
Neti Pot and Supplies
Breathe better instantly with a quick and easy nasal irrigation rinse to clear up congestion and sinus symptoms.
Steam Inhaler
Soothing warm steam helps breakdown pesky congestion in minutes.
Eye Mask
Apply light pressure during sleep to help clear nasal passages for the morning.
Sources:
https://www.aaaai.org/conditions-and-treatments/library/allergy-library/saline-sinus-rinse-recipe
How to beat your allergies during ragweed season
Between 10 and 30 percent of Americans suffer from hay fever and allergic rhinitis brought about by elevated levels of ragweed. Ragweed consists of pollen grains from the plant genus Ambrosia that can travel up to 400 miles on the wind.
Learn about ragweed season
Ragweed is present in every type of environment in all 50 states. It can cause serious allergic reactions from mid-August to late October, when the pollen levels reach their height.
Stay on top of ragweed allergies:
Check Pollen Counts
During spring and summer, pollen levels reach their highest levels in the evening. Ragweed pollen is just the opposite and will reach its peak in the morning during the late summer and early autumn. Be mindful of pollen counts before you head outdoors, and prepare beforehand for troublesome forecasts. Take an FSA-eligible antihistamine (with prescription) or other cold & allergy products.
Create a sterile indoor environment
Once pollen makes its way into your home through your windows or on your clothing, it can be next to impossible to remove it. You'd need to deep clean your house from top to bottom. To ensure that your home is as sterile as possible, keep your windows closed and air conditioning running (with a clean filter). An air purifier or dehumidifier may also help to reduce the frequency of allergic reactions during ragweed season.
Wash up!
After spending an entire afternoon outdoors, ragweed pollen grains will collect on your hair, clothing and other extremities. Pollen can also spread on your home's furnishings and trigger allergic symptoms. When you get home each day, set aside your clothing that has been exposed to the outdoors. Place it in or near the washing machine, and shower to remove ragweed pollen from your hair or skin.
Nasal irrigation
Blowing your nose to expel mucous and other irritants is a must during ragweed season. But, nasal irrigation 1-2 times per day can help, too. Saline solutions or salt water mixtures can clear out nasal passages, reduce inflammation and restore healthy moisture levels to these areas, and improve your overall comfort level.
Tip: Saline sprays and Neti pots are FSA-eligible, and can make a huge difference during ragweed season!
Don't let allergy season get you down by shopping at FSAstore.com!
Saline Nasal Sprays
Breathe easy with saline nasal sprays that help break up mucus and stop nasal congestion.
Neti Pot and Supplies
Clear up nasal congestion with a cleansing neti pot rinse to breathe better instantly.
Is it asthma or allergies?
Spring allergy season brings its own set of challenges for allergy sufferers, but the season can be even more difficult for those with asthma as well. Many individuals are confused by asthma and allergy symptoms because they are so similar, and often these two conditions are directly related to one another.
According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, more than 25 million Americans with asthma also have allergies, which is called allergic asthma. This condition occurs when asthma symptoms are triggered by airborne substances, such as pollen, pet dander, mold and other allergens that are present in the surrounding environment.
But not all allergy sufferers have asthma and understanding the differences between these conditions is key to managing one's symptoms of either condition. Let's examine the key characteristics of asthma and allergies from the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA).
Asthma
Asthma is an incurable condition in which breathing passages narrow and produce more mucous than normal, which can trigger breathing difficulties like wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath. Asthma can be triggered by a number of factors, but typically asthma is triggered by exercise, workplace irritants (dust, chemicals, gases) or allergens that are present in the environment.
Allergies
Allergies are a direct immune response after allergens enter or come into contact with the body and produce an allergic reaction. These allergic responses are caused by the body's natural ability to produce antibodies, which typically ward off foreign invaders and fight infections in the body. However, when an allergen (such as dust, pollen or pet dander) is introduced to the immune system, antibodies will recognize this as a potential threat (when it is actually harmless), and will trigger an immune system response that can manifest itself as sinus, digestive system, skin or respiratory issues.
How do these two conditions relate?
While allergies can trigger asthma symptoms, the primary difference between an allergic reaction and an asthma attack is where it occurs within the body, reports Health Guidance. Allergens trigger a response in the upper respiratory system, while asthma attacks affect the lungs and upper bronchial passages. In the case of allergic asthma, allergens are the primary driver of the triggering of asthma symptoms, which presents unique challenges from a treatment perspective.
As such, individuals who have both allergies and asthma will have to take more advanced steps to control their conditions and minimize their symptoms. The vast majority of medical treatments will treat either asthma or allergies, but some can also treat both conditions. According to the Mayo Clinic, these include:
- Allergy Shots: Regular allergy shots are a form of immunotherapy that helps to treat both asthma and allergy symptoms by gradually reducing the body's immune system response to particular allergy triggers. For this treatment to be effective, allergy shots are administered over a period of 3-5 years to ultimately diminish allergic and asthmatic reactions.
- Anti-immunoglobulin E (IgE) therapy: Coming into contact with an allergen will trigger an immune response in the body which consists of a release of antibodies to attack the allergen, which are referred to as lgE. This sparks the release of histamine, which causes an inflammatory effect in the body that results in allergic reactions. Medications such as omalizumab (Xonair) directly interferes with lgE in the body to help prevent histamine release and subsequent allergic reactions.
- Leukotriene Modifiers: These medicines are used to control the symptoms of allergic rhinitis or allergies, as well as tackling asthma attacks as well. These drugs block the action of leukotrienes, which are chemicals released by the immune system that cause tightening of breathing passages and the production of excess mucous. The most common of these is Montelukast (Singulair).
This allergy season, make sure you're prepared for the worst by shopping for Allergy, Sinus & Combinations at FSAstore.com! We have the web's largest selection of FSA/HSA eligible products to help you maximize the potential of your healthcare benefits!
Allergy Tablets
Get the relief you need from pesky allergies.
5 ways to create an allergen-free home this spring
Spring is here in full swing, and if you suffer from seasonal allergies, this is a particularly trying time of year. High pollen counts will lead to runny noses, itchy eyes and sneezing throughout the early weeks of April as the seasonal bloom commences, and while you can't control the conditions outdoors, you can take the appropriate steps to make your home a haven from the allergic triggers outside!
Allergens in the home can exacerbate your symptoms or interfere with your sleep cycle, so it's important to take the necessary steps to keep your home clean this spring to keep your allergic symptoms under control. Here are a few great ideas to keep in mind from FSAstore.com.
- Change your "coming home" routine
Open windows are the primary culprit for allergens making their way into the home, but even if you keep them closed all spring, you can bring a large amount of pollen, dust and other irritants into your abode on your clothing. As allergy season gets underway, make conscious changes to your routine when you walk in the door.
First, remove all clothing and put it in the laundry machine if available to wash off all potential allergens. Also, make an effort to take a shower soon after coming indoors to wash off all pollen and particulates on your hair and skin that could be transferred to bedding and other surfaces in your home.
- Switch out your winter drapes
A smart change for seasonal allergy sufferers in spring is to switch out your winter drapes with lightweight curtains. Thick drapes with pleats are notorious for trapping dust and other allergens, so opt for blinds that can be wiped down quickly during the spring. Or as an alternative, opt for machine washable drapes that you can clean several times throughout the season to keep your home free of allergens.
- Invest in mattress and pillow allergy covers
In addition to the buildup of allergens on sleeping surfaces, dust mites also become increasingly prevalent during the spring months. Anti-allergy mattress and pillow covers are made with tightly-woven synthetic materials or vinyl to provide a barrier between the person and the dust mites on the underlying sleeping surface. These covers keep the allergens that have built up on the bedding from becoming airborne when shifting during sleep, which can dramatically reduce your allergic symptoms.
The difference in the cost of an allergy cover vs. a standard pillow/mattress cover may even be eligible for FSA reimbursement, so check with your benefits administrator before making a purchase!
- Carpeting vs. bare floors
Ideally, those who suffer from seasonal allergies will have bare floors in their home (hardwood, vinyl, etc.) that are easier to clean and do not retain as many allergens. However, if your home is carpeted, this will require extra care during allergy season. First, invest in a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter to trap allergens when cleaning, or look into a steam cleaning service that utilizes high temperature cleaning devices to remove allergens.
- Use a dehumidifier
The rainy, wet nature of spring lends itself to rapid mold growth, and you can make an effort to stem the growth of mold in your home by using a dehumidifier. Mold thrives in moist, humid environments that have a relative humidity above 60 percent, reports Allergy Consumer Review. In areas where mold growth is prevalent, run a dehumidifier to lower the humidity to 50 percent where mold growth will become inactive.
This allergy season, control your symptoms with Allergy, Sinus and Combinations and other anti-allergy products from FSAstore.com! We have the web's largest selection of FSA-eligible products to help you maximize the potential of your healthcare benefits.
Simply Saline Sterile Saline Nasal Mist
Moisturize your nasal passages while clearing out congestion.
What is a pollen count?
Allergy sufferers have learned to dread the early weeks of spring. Everywhere you turn, there is a yellow-green film of pollen on cars, glass and other outdoor surfaces that can trigger watery eyes, sneezing and sniffling all day long.
Before you walk out the door each morning, you may have gotten in the habit of checking the pollen count in your area so you can prepare for your worst allergy symptoms. But have you ever wondered how these numbers are measured and what they really mean? Let's examine what you should know about pollen counts as spring kicks off!
How are pollen counts measured?
Pollen counts are fixtures of weather reports in the spring and summer, and this number is taken using a sampling system called a "rotorod." According to Pollen.com, this rod consists of an array of silicone grease coated clear rods that are exposed to the air at key points throughout the day. These rods are then stained or examined under a microscope to measure the concentration of pollen grains, which are then converted to a concentration that is measured in grains per cubic meter of air.
Pollen counts are typically measured on a scale of 0-12 that take into account the amount of pollen an allergy sufferer will be exposed to during a given day. Low pollen levels come in at 0-2.4, Low-Medium is 2.5-4.8, Medium is 4.9-7.2, High-Medium is 7.3-9.6, and High is 9.7-12.0. According to the American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology, these rotorods must be placed on a rooftop at least one story high, as well as away from any significant pollen or mold sources that could skew the results.
How to stay on top of pollen counts
While increasing numbers of local and national television news stations have begun reporting pollen counts with their traditional forecasts, allergy sufferers should take the initiative in early spring to stay on top of pollen forecasts. Here are a few free apps to keep in mind:
- Weather.com App: The Weather Channel's app is already one of the most popular weather apps available, but it also has the option of setting up pollen alerts that can be sent to your device via text or email.
- Pollen.com Allergy Alert: The Pollen.com Allergy Alert app will provide information and alerts about pollen forecasts in your zip code. This app has the added benefit of in-depth information about top allergens with detailed plant descriptions and images in your area.
- AllergyManager: In addition to measuring pollen counts in your area, the AllergyManager app lets you track seasonal allergens, pollen counts, and the severity of your symptoms. As an added benefit, the app also has a medication refill reminder to ensure that you can stay on top of your allergy medicine purchases.
- Zyrtec AllergyCast: This is among the most popular allergy tracking apps available that provides pollen and weather forecasts, notifications for high pollen levels, as well as indicators for which types of pollen are prevalent at the moment, and actionable tips on how to deal with them.
Last but not least, rely on FSAstore.com and HSAstore.com to purchase allergy, sinus and combinations, Neti pots, saline solution and everything you need to survive allergy season! Explore the web's largest selection of FSA/HSA-eligible products and maximize the potential of your healthcare benefits!
Neti Pot and Supplies
An all-natural way to immediately relieve congestion and sinus symptoms.
Allergy Relief
From allergy tablets to lozenges to saline spray, get the allergy relief you need with your FSA.
Do you have seasonal allergies to your holiday decor?
With the arrival of December, most people with seasonal allergies will breathe a sigh of relief thattheir allergic triggers will disappear until the spring. However, as the holiday season approaches, many will experience seasonal allergies and they may be sparked by an unlikely source: holiday decor!
Shop for Cold & Allergy products with your FSA! Here are the most common allergic triggers found on common holiday decor:
Dust Mites
Dust mites are the most common form of allergy. They arisefrom house dust, and aremicroscopic organisms that feed off of human detritus, such as flakes of skin. Dust mites leave behind particles that can trigger allergic symptoms. They are most often found on upholstered surfaces, carpeting and mattresses. When unpacking holiday decor, consider wearing a dust mask to avoid inhaling dust mite particles, and dust off decorations.
Mold
Mold allergies are especially troublesome during the holiday months. Damp wreaths, boughs, and trees we bring inside this time of year are areas ripe for mold spores. Worse yet, the mold and mildew in decaying leaves only adds to the irritation, as we track them inside on shoes and clothes. Using a dehumidifier can help prevent growth of mold spores, whereas using an air purifier can remove spores from the air.
Poinsettias
These flowers are popular during December, but they can pose a major problem to those with a latex allergy. Sometimes people can develop a rash when coming into contact with poinsettias. Allergic symptoms such as wheezing or shortness of breath have come up for some people, as well.
Tree Allergens
Christmas trees are a prime source of mold spores. But, they also have a concentration of tree sap, pollen and other particulates that could trigger allergic symptoms. Before bringing it into the house, consider washing off the tree with a hose or using a leaf blower to reduce the total amount of allergens. This is also a good choice for artificial trees that can collect dust over a year.
Holiday Scents
Holiday scentsfrom deodorizing sprays, candles and potpourri have the potential to aggravate allergies. Candles are among the top sources of indoor air pollution. Air fresheners can sometimes also spark an allergic reaction. It may be best to skip air fresheners, and go for all-natural air fresheners instead.
Allergies can be a year-round issue. Prepare during any season by shopping at FSAstore.com! We have the largest selection of FSA-eligible products!
Claritin 24 Hour Allergy Tablets
Get non-drowsy indoor and outdoor allergy relief.
Simply Saline Sterile Saline Nasal Mist
Moisturize and clear congestion with saline nasal spray.
How should I prepare for a high pollen count?
A pollen count is calculated by measured the concentration of pollen in a certain area during a specific period (usually 24 hours). The measurement utilizes air-sampling devices that collect particles from the air onto a transparent, sticky service. The particles are analyzed under a microscope to measure how many pollen grains are present. The National Weather Service and most local news stations are the best sources of information about pollen counts, but what should you do when high pollen counts arise?
Here are a few tips about preparing for a high pollen count:
Sign up for pollen count alerts
The Weather Channel app is already handy for checking the weather forecast on the go. You may also be able to set up pollen count alerts on your smartphone or other mobile device. Alerts will give you extra time to prepare for high pollen counts.
Keep your home closed
Keeping windows closed prevents the spread of pollen and other allergens throughout your home. You can run the air conditioning instead. This will ensure that your home is as sterile as possible, which can help stop your allergy symptoms in their tracks after a long day contending with them.
Invest in pollen masks
Wearing a pollen mask on days when the pollen counts are particularly high and the air quality is low can keep pollen at bay. Pollen counts are at their highest during the hours of 5 am and 10 am, so wearing a mask during these peak hours can dramatically limit your allergic reactions.
Wash up!
After you come home each day, make an effort to throw your clothes in the laundry machine quickly to remove all traces of pollen and to prevent it from ending up on your home's furnishings. Next, hop in the shower to wash off any pollen that may be lingering on your hair and skin. This is a smart strategy to keep your home as sterile as possible and to avoid re-triggering your symptoms.
Summer can be a trying time for allergy sufferers, but you can be confident on high pollen count days with cold & allergy products from FSAstore.com! We have the web's largest selection of FSA-eligible items!
Does my child have a cold or allergies?
With the arrival of a new season comes its own share of health challenges, especially when those pollen counts begin to soar. If you haven't tested your child for seasonal allergies, why not do that this season? Sensitivity to environmental triggers could emerge at any point during adolescence. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to tell whether you're dealing with the common cold or a direct response to seasonal allergies.
Here are a few ways to know if it's a cold or allergies:
Duration of symptoms
One of the tell-tale signs of allergies is that they will persist for weeks on end. The common cold which typically clears up in 1-2 weeks with rest and treatment. As long as your child is exposed to indoor/outdoor areas with allergy triggers, he/she will continue to experience symptoms throughout the season, so this is a clear indication that a cold is not the culprit.
Nasal discharge color
In the event that your child has contracted a virus, the color of his/her mucous is an important warning sign that can let you know what your child is suffering from. During a cold, mucous becomes thicker, as well as taking on a green or yellow hue, while those suffering nasal congestion from allergies will have clear, thinner mucous. However, it's important to note that sinus infections can sometimes be caused by allergies and will change mucous color to yellow, so be mindful of this when making a diagnosis.
Shop for Saline Nasal Spray
Product of the week: Boogie Wipes
Fever/Muscle Aches
Allergies can bring about many of the most common cold symptoms, but others only arise in the presence of a virus. A fever and body aches are normal immune system responses, as well as clear signs that the body is fighting an infection and is actively producing antibodies to stave it off. These bodily functions do not occur as a result of allergies.
Shop for Hot and Cold Packs
Product of the week: Bruder My-Medi Cold Compress for Children
Indoor/Outdoor Symptoms
Last but not least, if you find that your child tends to experience watery eyes, a runny nose or sneezing more often outdoors than at home, this is a clear sign that the allergens present in the environment are triggering his/her symptoms. Endeavor to keep your home as allergen-free as possible by removing clothing at the door, cleaning often and encouraging your child to shower frequently to remove any allergens still present on his/her skin and hair.
Shop for Cold and Allergy products
Spring is here, so make sure you're ready for the worst of allergy season by shopping at FSAstore.com! We have the web's largest selection of FSA-eligible products to help keep you and your loved ones healthy year-round.
Treat spring eye allergies with an FSA
Though allergies can be seasonal (especially in spring with higher pollen counts), they don't necessarily have to be seasonal, if eyes are sensitive to other environmental factors. But, there are several ways to treat eye allergies with your FSA and reduce itchy symptoms.
Here are a few tips from WebMD, "Stay indoors when pollen counts are highest, usually in mid-morning and early evening. Close the windows and run the air conditioner (window fans can draw in pollen and mold spores). If you go out, wearing eyeglasses or bigsunglasses can help block pollen from your eyes. Driving? Keep the windows closed and run the air conditioner."
You can shop for prescription eyeglasses with an FSA
In addition to that, WebMD recommends keeping a clean home and cleaning floors with a wet mop. "Sweeping tends to stir up rather than get rid of allergens. Especially if a pet shares the house with you, consider replacing rugs and carpets, which trap and hold allergens, with hardwood, tile, or other flooring materials that are easier to clean. Go with blinds instead of curtains."
Alternatively, you can tryrinsing eyes out with saline solution or eye lubricants.
And, finally, WebMD also urges people to fight the urge to rub or itch their eyes, as that could intensify allergy symptoms. The WebMD experts recommend using cool compresses for relief.
Shop for cool compresses with an FSA
If these at-home remedies don't work, you can also try prescription medications to fight allergy symptoms.
Take oral histamines like Zyrtec or Claritin to treat symptoms and get relief
Shop for Eye Care for Allergy Relief
Finally, if your allergies persist or worsen, it could be best to check in with your doctor. You could use an FSA to cover the deductible, or co-pay for the visit.
Learn about additional eligible expenses via the FSA Eligibility List
What you may not know about fall allergies
While most people associate the symptoms of sneezing, sniffling and watery eyes with early spring, autumn brings its own share of challenges for allergy sufferers. The fall can be especially difficult if you contend with mold and ragweed allergies, but there is more to this season than meets the eye.
Don't suffer through fall allergy season when you can tackle your symptoms withFSA eligible cold and allergy products from FSAstore.com!
Here are a few things you may not have known about fall allergies:
Allergens are present in autumn leaves
Fall foliage is inextricably linked with the season, but those leaves also harbor a host of allergens that can exacerbate allergy symptoms. Early in the autumn, raking leaves can stir up pollen and other particulates in the air, which can trigger asthma and allergy symptoms. Additionally, as the season wears on, wet leaves can produce high levels of mold. When working outdoors, be sure to wear a dust/pollen mask to block out allergens and close windows before and after rainstorms to reduce mold buildup indoors.
Certain foods trigger ragweed allergies
If you eat a piece of cantaloupe and suddenly find that your mouth is itchy, or eat a banana and suddenly suffer from inflammation, you may suffer from a condition called oral allergy syndrome. With this condition, the immune system treats proteins similar to those in pollen that are sometimes found in fruits and vegetables in the same way, thus triggering an allergic reaction. For instance, if you have a ragweed allergy and are diagnosed with oral allergen syndrome, you should avoid bananas, melons, tomatoes, zucchini, sunflower seeds and chamomile, which may trigger a reaction.
Hay Fever has nothing to do with hay
Hay Fever is a common term associated with fall allergies. But, in reality, it has nothing to do with hay and has become a catch-all term to describe late summer allergy symptoms. Ragweed is among the most common causes of these symptoms during fall, as it begins to pollinate in mid-August and will stay present until the first deep freeze. Three out of four people who are allergic to pollen are allergic to ragweed, and the plants grains can travel for hundreds of miles on the wind making it an ever-present factor throughout autumn.
Home heating systems can trigger allergies
While mold and ragweed are the chief fall allergy concerns outdoors, dust mites present a significant challenge indoors. Dust mites are microscopic insects that are found on mattresses, bedding, curtains and other home surfaces, and while maintaining a standard of cleanliness is pivotal in keeping them at bay, they are also found in home heating systems. The dust and filth found in these ducts can host millions of dust mites, so hiring a professional to clean these spaces before turning on the heating system can dramatically reduce allergic symptoms.
Shop at FSAstore.com with your FSA and save on cold/allergy products!
FSA allergy relief for baby/child
When you think about spring, allergies are not likely the first thing on your mind. But, they can turn into a problem. Luckily, you can get FSA allergy relief!
In an article by WebMD, one doctor mentions that allergies can often go undiagnosed, particularly related to kids. "A lot of parents don't realize," says Neeta Ogden, MD, an allergist in Closter, N.J. "They assume that the constant runny nose and sneezing are just what happens when a child's exposed to day care germs." And, that's possible!
So, what can you do if you think your child or baby has allergies, but you're not really sure?
Get FSA Allergy Relief
1. Ask a doctor. If you're not sure if your baby or child has a cold or allergies, it's best to ask your doctor. You likely won't know until you get some answers, or until your doctor does tests. You can use your FSA to cover costs related for FSA allergy relief, including co-pays and deductibles.
It can be hard to tell whether we're dealing with an allergy vs. a cold. WebMD mentioned that allergy tests could help (for kids 3 and older), but it's more difficult in kids younger than 3.
WebMD also recommends thinking about symptoms getting worse while near pets, or at different seasonal times.
2. Treat allergies at home. You can buy over-the-counter medicines with your FSA (these require a prescription to get reimbursed with your account), including Benadryl and Zyrtec. However, it's best to consult a doctor if this is a necessary step in FSA allergy relief for your child and to find out what the appropriate dosage/age is for that.
3. Products at FSAstore.com for FSA Allergy Relief:
- Nasal aspirators and saline solution. If you think your baby or child might have allergies or is congested, you can help fight a stuffy nose with nasal aspirators or saline solution.
- Medicators. If you need to administer some type of medication, there are special medicatorsthat make it easy to deliver medications in a pain-free way.
Shop for kids' allergy products at FSA Store.
Curious about what's covered by your FSA? Browse our FSA Eligibility List.
Surviving Allergy Season
Allergy season is upon us! While spring is an exciting time of the year for many people, it also brings allergy symptoms! If you're coughing, sneezing, sniffling, and have watery, itchy eyes, these could be byproducts ofan allergy.
Your Flexible Spending Account (FSA) can be a part of the solution to fight seasonal allergies. You can use an FSAwhether it's by visiting a doctor, taking over-the-counter medication, or checking out drug-free FSA-eligible products to treat an allergy.
Below are a few ways to fight the symptoms and enjoy the warm weather this season has to offer.
Using a Flexible Spending Account to Fight Allergy Symptoms
1. Visit your doctor. If you're not sure if you suffer from an allergy (but think you might be having symptoms - sneezing, coughing, itchy eyes, for example), it's not a bad idea to ask your doctor more about it. Your doctor might recommend you have an allergy test done to determine which allergens you react to.
Browse Covered Expenses via our Eligibility List
2. Take antihistamines. If you have severe allergic symptoms, your doctor may recommend you take over-the-counter medications to treat your allergies. If you want to buy anantihistamine (like Claritin or Zyrtec) with your Flexible Spending Account, you would need a prescription for that item to get reimbursed by your account. This is due to changes that began on January 1, 2011, which require a prescription for any OTC products containing active medicines (that would include Benadryl, Zyrtec, or Claritin, and other medications).
FSA Store can help you process your doctor's prescriptions - whether you email us your doctor's prescription or we can contact your doctor for you (or the doctor can fax it over).
Learn about our Rx process
3. Spring clean your home. Keep allergens (outdoor pollen, for example) at a minimum by frequently cleaning your home.
4. Use nasal sprays and warm steam vaporizers. These types of products keep your nasal passages clear to prevent any sinus issues.
Shop for Cold & Allergy products at FSA Store
How to survive allergy season with 5 FSA-eligible products
While this time of year brings a dazzling color palette, warm temperatures and a bright outlook, it can be a nightmare for anyone with seasonal allergies. Pollen, grass and other allergens can trigger sneezing, sniffling, watery eyes and general discomfort for much of the early portion of spring.
Luckily, your Flexible Spending Account (FSA) can provide allergy relief. There’s a bevy of greatFSA eligible productsthat can provide relief during allergy season, as well as a few changes to your everyday routine that can pay dividends in the early spring.
Here are a few handyFSA eligible productsto look into:
Use a daily antihistamine
- Over-the-counter antihistamines and other generic products are extremely effective in limiting nasal congestion and other common symptoms that are prevalent for those with seasonal allergies. Just be sure to ask your doctor for a prescription in order to get reimbursement for your FSA.
Invest in saline spray
- If you never seem to be too far away from a box of tissues in April and May, saline spray could help you kick those Kleenex to the curb. WebMD suggests using a saline nasal rinse in the morning to clear out your sinuses, as well as bringing along a small bottle of saline spray to clear out your nasal passages throughout the day.
Purchase in eye drops
- Eye protection is a key concern during allergy season. Simply being exposed to the outdoors can inevitably lead to pollen and other particulates causing watery, red and irritated eyes. Wearing sunglasses can cut down on the amount of allergens that accumulate around your eyes, and investing in eye care products like eye drops can refresh your eyes throughout the day.
If you suffer from seasonal allergies and have an FSA,make sure you take advantage of the great deals offered at FSAstore.com. With thousands of FSA eligible products, make this allergy season a walk in the park you’ll actually be looking forward to!
