Hay fever, also known as seasonal allergic rhinitis, is just one term used to describe seasonal allergies. Seasonal allergy symptoms appear at specific periods of the year, mainly when trees, grasses, and weeds release pollen into the air to fertilize other plants.
Spring brings flower buds and blossoming trees, but it also brings sneezing, congestion, a runny nose, and other irritating symptoms for the millions of people who suffer from seasonal allergies.
Pollen counts are higher on windy days because the wind takes up the sneeze-inducing grains and propels them through the air, but pollen isn't the only thing that sets off allergies during the season. With the arrival of spring showers, mold development increases both inside and outside your home. Dust mites will also be stirred up as a result of spring cleaning.
Symptoms of Seasonal Allergies
People who are allergic to pollen have their immune systems treat these particles (called allergens) as intruders, releasing substances such as histamine into the circulation to protect against them. Allergy symptoms are caused by the release of these substances. The following are some warning signs to look out for:
- Sinus congestion
- Eyes welling up
- Sneezing
- Coughing
- Itchy nose and eyes
- Eye bags and dark circles
- Postnasal drainage
Diagnosis of Seasonal Allergies helps coordinate treatment
Finding out what's causing your symptoms is the first step toward relief. An allergist can test for allergies with skin prick testing, diagnose them then build a specific treatment plan to help you manage your allergies once they know what you're allergic to.
Treatment for Seasonal Allergies
Seasonal allergies can be combated in two basic methods available at a local urgent care center:
Avoidance
Take precautions to stay away from seasonal allergens. Pollen forecasts can be found on your local weather channel, and you should aim to stay indoors when pollen counts are high.
When your hay fever is active at certain periods of the year: Close your windows and restrict your time outside, especially on windy days. Consider wearing a dust mask when you're outside.
Cigarette smoke, which can increase hay fever symptoms, should also be avoided.
Medication
There are a variety of medications available to help with allergy problems. They are as follows:
- Antihistamines: work by lowering the quantity of histamine in your body, which reduces sneezing, sniffling, and itching.
- Decongestants: reduce congestion and edema by shrinking the blood vessels in the nasal airways.
- Nasal spray decongestants: relieve congestion and may clear congested nasal passages more quickly than oral decongestants while avoiding some of the negative side effects.
- Eye drops: relieve itchy and watery eyes
- Immunotherapy (desensitization): exposes you to steadily higher amounts of the allergen until you are no longer allergic to it.
Allergy symptoms can be dangerous, and in severe cases, immediate medical attention is essential.
Get seasonal allergy treatment today at AFC Urgent Care Centennial
AFC Urgent Care Centennial provides seasonal allergy treatment for patients that need to address sudden symptoms like sneezing, coughing, fatigue, and more from allergy triggers. Just call today or simply visit our walk-in clinic in Centennial, CO!
