As spring approaches and the weather starts to warm, we tend to want to spend our time doing outdoor activities, whether alone or with friends. Seasonal allergies are triggered by pollen, which comes from trees, grass and other plants. The timing and severity of allergy season vary depending on geographic location, weather patterns and the types of allergens prevalent in the environment.
Due to similar symptoms, allergies can also be mistaken with respiratory illness. However, untreated allergies can often trigger respiratory issues or exacerbate existing ones. Inflammation in the nasal passages can make people more susceptible to respiratory infections.
Ways to protect yourself can include monitoring a pollen forecast, avoiding high-pollen areas like large parks or wooded trails. If your allergies have already started, consider investing in a humidifier, over-the-counter medication and nasal sprays and hot tea with honey. Antihistamines can help alleviate sneezing, itching, and nasal congestion, while corticosteroids can reduce inflammation in the airways. For more severe allergic reactions, such as sinusitis (commonly known as a sinus infection), or if you suffer from asthma, consider a steroid shot or prescription allergy medications. Another simple way to avoid allergies is to change clothes immediately after being outdoors.
Despite the challenges of allergy season, with the right precautions, you can still enjoy the season. Save your outdoor adventures for when pollen counts are lower. Take vitamins, drink water and get plenty of rest to help boost your immune system. Additionally, it’s essential to consult with a health care professional to develop a treatment plan tailored to a patient’s specific needs and symptoms.
At Marsalis Avenue Urgent Care, we are able to provide you the necessary medications needed to improve your health this allergy season. We are open five days a week, Monday – Friday from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
