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DES MOINES, Iowa – It’s that time of year again. As the trees and plants start blooming, sniffling noses and watery eyes become more common.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, about a quarter of all adults in the United States have seasonal allergies. For good reason, then, there are plenty of tools to treat seasonal allergies.

CVS Pharmacist Sharon Rickertsen notes three common types of medication to treat allergies–antihistamines, corticosteroids, and decongestants.

Rickertsen says antihistamines and corticosteroids work to prevent allergy symptoms and can be taken before symptoms even begin. These kinds of medications work to treat runny noses and itchy and watery eyes. Some people may choose to take an antihistamine every day.

Decongestants are designed to, as the name implies, reduce congestion. Rickertsen says this kind of medication should be used to treat symptoms when they happen. She also says people shouldn’t take decongestants for an extended period of time.

While there are different kinds of medication, how do you decide which is for you? Rickertsen says some trial-and-error is involved; people with seasonal allergies can try different kinds of over-the-counter medication to see what works best for them.

Rickertsen compares antihistamines like Benadryl, Allegra, Claritin, and Zyrtec to apples and oranges. Each of them have a similar function but have a different “flavor” or effect for different people. She does note that Benadryl can cause drowsiness.

Of course, if someone is struggling to find medication that’s effective, Rickertsen recommends talking to a doctor or pharmacist. She also recommends a saline nasal spray for those who may not want to use medication.

Whatever your treatment method, you’ll want it ready. Central Iowa’s warm start to the year looks as if it may lead to a longer allergy season.