With almost 20 million cases recorded yearly, seasonal allergies make up a significant portion of all allergy cases each year. Seasonal allergies come with common symptoms like a runny nose, itchy eyes, and a persistent dull headache. Fall allergies can have several possible causes, such as mold and pollen. This article discusses the causes and symptoms, diagnosis, as well as tips on how to manage seasonal allergy symptoms. Visit AFC Urgent Care Linden for allergy treatment near Linden, NJ.
Causes and symptoms of seasonal allergies
The major cause of seasonal allergies in the fall is ragweed. Ragweed is a plant that grows wild practically everywhere. It is more common on the East Coast and produces pollen between August and November. Around September, the Ragweed pollen population is believed to be at its highest. Other plants cause allergies this fall and they include black bush, pigweed, mugwort, and sagebrush. Inhaling any of these pollens will result in the following symptoms:
- Wet and itchy eyes
- Runny nose
- Sneezing
- Clogged nose
- Stomach pain
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Swelling and bloating
- Redness
- Cough
What is causing my seasonal allergies?
Allergy testing is a process that reveals potential allergens affecting a person. It is often performed in the hospital by a medical practitioner. The process requires pricking the skin with an allergen to check for a reaction. If you break out in hives, itch, or show other similar symptoms, that substance is regarded as an allergen. Allergen testing can also be done with IgE antibodies in the blood, in some cases. Knowing your allergens can help you avoid them, preventing future allergic reactions.
Tips for alleviating allergy symptoms
- It may seem impossible to avoid allergens, however, it is possible to do so. In this section, we discuss several ways that can help you alleviate your allergies:
- Avoid Irritants such as harsh chemicals and pollutants
- Avoid pollen exposure by not mowing grass yourself in warm weather and avoiding moldy leaf piles. If you are doing yard work, be sure to shower after being outside and change into clean clothes.
- Remain indoors in the afternoon and evening when pollen counts are at their peak.
- Keep your doors and windows closed on days with high pollen counts to keep your home and vehicle pollen-free.
- Recognize your allergies by doing an allergy test. Ensure you know what you are allergic to by doing a quick blood test or skin test at the doctor's office.
- Consult a medical professional to create a treatment plan that can prevent future reactions.
Get Allergy Treatment near Linden, NJ, at AFC Urgent Care Linden
Unfortunately, allergies are a common condition that affects much of the population throughout the fall. Being aware of what is causing your reactions and being proactive by creating a care plan with a medical professional are important steps to lessen the burden of allergies this fall.
Visit AFC Urgent Care Linden for allergy care this fall. Our board-certified medical professionals can perform diagnostics and suggest a personalized treatment plan for your allergy symptoms. Walk-in today.
