Allergy symptoms can feel a lot like cold symptoms. There are a few differentiating factors to consider, however. AFC Urgent Care North Andover provides treatment for all cold and flu viruses. We are also able to provide relief for seasonal allergies. Visit us today to help control your symptoms and feel better.

Causes of Seasonal Allergies

The cause of seasonal allergies depends on the time of year. In the Spring, trees give off pollen which causes allergies in millions of Americans. Grass can pollinate throughout the Summer months, and ragweed is the main allergy culprit in the Fall season. Some individuals are allergic to dust, mold, or pet dander which can cause allergic reactions when stuck inside in the Winter. For some people, it is possible to have allergies throughout the entire year.

Symptoms of Seasonal Allergies

Allergy symptoms can be different depending on severity. Most are mild and can be managed. The immune system sees pollen as a threat, so its immediate response is to release histamines in the blood. These histamines are what triggers the following symptoms. Signs of allergies can include

• Sneezing, itchy, or runny nose
• Itchy, red, or watery eyes
• Cough, or shortness of breath
• Itchy, red rash (hives)

The type of symptom a patient has can also depend on what they are allergic to. For example, if someone is allergic to pollen, they are more likely to experience sneezing and watery eyes over a skin rash.

Allergy Treatment and Prevention Options

Understanding what you are allergic to is the key to preventing allergy attacks. There is no cure for seasonal allergies, so the best way to avoid them is by understanding the triggers and learning to cope with medications. To cope with allergies, avoid going outside when pollen counts are high. There are apps and information online that track the pollen count each day. Pollen is at its lowest early in the morning and the late afternoon. If going outside at this time is unavoidable, take a medication such as Zyrtec or Claritin 30 minutes before going outside.

Decongestants and saline sprays can help with congestion and a runny nose. Eye drops are also a treatment option for itchy or red eyes. Immunotherapy is an option for severe allergies. This involves a series of shots that gradually increase the amount of allergens until your body is immune. It is not a permanent solution, but it can help. Call or visit AFC Urgent Care North Andover for allergy immunotherapy treatments.

Allergy symptoms can feel a lot like cold symptoms. There are a few differentiating factors to consider, however. AFC Urgent Care North Andover provides treatment for all cold and flu viruses. We are also able to provide relief for seasonal allergies. Visit us today to help control your symptoms and feel better.

Causes of Seasonal Allergies

The cause of seasonal allergies depends on the time of year. In the Spring, trees give off pollen which causes allergies in millions of Americans. Grass can pollinate throughout the Summer months, and ragweed is the main allergy culprit in the Fall season. Some individuals are allergic to dust, mold, or pet dander which can cause allergic reactions when stuck inside in the Winter. For some people, it is possible to have allergies throughout the entire year.

Symptoms of Seasonal Allergies

Allergy symptoms can be different depending on severity. Most are mild and can be managed. The immune system sees pollen as a threat, so it’s immediate response is to release histamines in the blood. These histamines are what triggers the following symptoms. Signs of allergies can include

• Sneezing, itchy, or runny nose
• Itchy, red, or watery eyes
• Cough, or shortness of breath
• Itchy, red rash (hives)

The type of symptom a patient has can also depend on what they are allergic to. For example, if someone is allergic to pollen, they are more likely to experience sneezing and watery eyes over a skin rash.

Allergy Treatment and Prevention Options

Understanding what you are allergic to is the key to preventing allergy attacks. There is no cure for seasonal allergies, so the best way to prevent them is by understanding the triggers and learning to cope with medications. To cope with allergies, avoid going outside when pollen counts are high. There are apps and information online that tract the pollen count each day. Pollen is at it’s lowest early in the day and in the late afternoon. If going outside at this time is unavoidable, take a medication such as Zyrtec or Claritin 30 minutes before going outside.

Decongestants and saline sprays can help with congestion and a runny nose. Eye drops are also a treatment option for itchy or red eyes. Immunotherapy is an option for severe allergies. This involves a series of shots that gradually increase the amount of allergens until your body is immune. It is not a permanent solution, but it can help. Call or visit AFC Urgent Care North Andover for allergy immunotherapy treatments.