Now that the buzz about the flu has started to wind down, our team at AFC Urgent Care Ooltewah wants to go ahead and prepare you from what’s on its way—spring allergies! Are you an allergy sufferer? Don’t Let Pollen Get You Down This Spring Approximately one in five people living in the United States suffer from allergic rhinitis, also known as “hay fever.” Allergic rhinitis is most common in children and young adults and can manifest into asthma. However, people diagnosed with hay fever often suffer from symptoms into adulthood. Symptoms of allergic rhinitis can range from mild to severe and include:

• Dry cough
• Facial pain or pressure
• Fatigue
• Headaches
• Post-nasal drip
• Red, itchy, watery eyes
• Sneezing
• Stuffy or runny nose
• Swollen eyelids

Seasonal allergic rhinitis is triggered by pollen and mold spores found in grass and tree pollen. However, indoor allergens such as pet dander, dust mites and cockroaches can also continue to cause allergic rhinitis symptoms. Start Taking Action! No one wants to spend the nice days of spring indoors. Take steps to stop the symptoms of spring allergies before they start! Talk with a doctor or a pharmacist about taking an over-the-counter medication for your seasonal allergies. He or she can help you select the right allergy medication for you and your symptoms. This may include both oral medications and nasal sprays. In addition to medications, there are other ways to help find relief when it comes to symptoms of allergic rhinitis. Look at the local weekly pollen count report to see what the pollen count is supposed to be for the day. That way, you can plan errands and activities on the days when the pollen count won’t be as high. On days the pollen count is high, you may want to keep the windows closed in both your home and your vehicle to keep pollen out. You can also try to avoid bringing allergens indoors by taking a shower and changing clothes when you get home for the day. This tip can be especially helpful for those with severe allergies that are highly affected by pollen and other outdoor allergens. Removing your shoes before coming indoors can also be helpful. Are allergies starting to get the best of your quality of life? Then, it’s time to make a visit to AFC Urgent Care Ooltewah to find relief!