background:white;vertical-align:baseline">As the weather warms up, do you find
yourself suffering from springtime allergies? Don’t worry, you’re not the only
one dreading the sneezing and the sniffling. background:white;vertical-align:baseline">“Seasonal allergies are very common
for this time of year, and it is important to know the symptoms, the steps to
reduce allergy symptoms, and when to seek urgent care for allergies,” says Dr.
Heather Osher, a Patient First Medical Director. background:white;vertical-align:baseline">Here are some helpful tips and
information on allergies and how to prevent them.background:white;vertical-align:baseline">
What
are allergies?background:white;vertical-align:baseline">A
llergic reactions occur
when your body comes into contact with an allergen. Your body identifies this
substance as harmful, even when it is not. Then, when you come into contact
with that allergen again, it reacts to it, causing allergy symptoms. Springtime
allergies are most often due to tree pollen and in areas with more humid
climates, outdoor mold. Grass pollen is a big cause of summer allergies, while
weed pollen can bring on fall allergies.
What are the
symptoms?
background:white;vertical-align:baseline">Allergy symptoms vary from person to
person and depend on the particular allergy. Some common symptoms include
itchy, watery eyes; sneezing; runny nose; and congestion. If your seasonal
allergies are generally mild, nasal sprays and oral antihistamines can help
manage the symptoms. If over-the-counter treatments do not reduce your
symptoms, talk with a
physician about a
prescription or other treatment.
What steps can
be taken to reduce allergy symptoms?
=
Start taking over-the-counter antihistamines
when high pollen counts are forecast, even before your symptoms start.
=
Stay indoors on dry, windy days. The best time
to go outside is after a rain, which helps clear pollen from the air.
=
Keep windows and doors closed – Restricting the
amount of outside air that comes into your home may help those with airborne
allergen sensitivities.
=
Delegate lawn mowing, weed pulling, and other
gardening chores that stir up allergens.
=
After spending time outside, take a shower to
rinse pollen from your skin and hair and put on clean clothes.
=
Wear a face mask if you do outside chores
=
Use air conditioning in your house and car.
=
Use high-efficiency air filters and change them
frequently.
=
Keep indoor air dry with a dehumidifier.
baseline">Finally, do a deep cleaning of your home every spring. We hope these
tips help make your spring the best it can be.
Physician and
Physician Extenders at Patient First treat many illnesses and injuries at our
urgent care centers, including allergies. 
