After a long, cold winter, nothing feels better than spending time outside in the warm spring sun—unless you have allergies. Our team at AFC Urgent Care Fountain City wants you to avoid being stuck indoors by combating your allergy symptoms once and for all this spring! When the Plants Grow, the Pollen Blooms According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, pollen is one of the main causes of allergies. Emerging from trees, weeds and grasses, small pollen grains can sneak up on you and cause hay fever, or “seasonal allergic rhinitis.” You may be suffering from a pollen allergy if you consistently suffer from the following during the high pollen seasons, including:

• Itchy eyes
• Itchy nose
• Excessive mucus
• Nasal congestion
• Red, watery eyes
• Runny nose
• Sneezing

These symptoms tend to worsen when the pollen counts in the area are extremely high. However, even days with low pollen counts can lead to symptoms, so don’t wait to take control of your spring allergies. Conquer Spring Allergies Now Don’t wait until you’re miserable to seek help from one of our physicians. You need to be able to enjoy the spring season with your family, and the best way to combat allergies is to prevent them in the first place. First, talk to our physicians about taking an over-the-counter allergy medication before allergy season really starts to take off and the pollen counts rise. Doctors often recommend taking these medications daily for a period of time to stave off any potential allergic reactions. Second, although warmer weather usually makes us want to open the windows, it’s best to keep them closed on high pollen count days so that these tiny pollen grains don’t make their way into your home. Finally, when you do come home from being outside, make sure to remove your shoes before entering your home and immediately take a shower. Taking a shower once you are home for the day can help ensure the pollen grains have been removed from your hair and clothes so that you are not continuing to breathe in the pollen particles throughout the night. Get Out and Enjoy Fountain City! Now that you are armed with the tools you need to help fight seasonal allergies, it’s time to get outside and enjoy the remainder of March in Fountain City! Start by making plans to stop by the Fountain City Art Center, Inc. for their two showings happening from now until April 5:

• Southern Appalachian Nature Photography and the Knoxville Book Arts Guild
• Mary Baumgartner’s “Wonderful World of Watercolor” Student Artwork

And, of course, don’t forget about the St. Patrick’s Day celebration, Knox Shamrock Fest™, happening in Knoxville on March 16 and 17. Wear your green and bring the family for some Irish fun! Why are you putting up with the symptoms of seasonal allergies when you don’t have to? Visit AFC Urgent Care Fountain City today so that our medical team can help you get your spring allergies under control!