How to Manage Seasonal Allergies with Advice from Your Primary Care Clinic

According to the CDC, seasonal allergies impacted a significant portion of the US population in 2021. Over 80 million people, or roughly one in four adults and one in five children, experienced seasonal allergy symptoms.¹

That’s a lot of sniffling and itchy eyes! But fear not; this informative blog will equip you to identify and understand your allergies better. With this knowledge and the guidance of your primary care provider, you can create a fool plan to protect yourself and your family from the next wave of allergy woes.

So, let’s dive in and empower you to breathe easier! But first, let’s learn about seasonal allergies. 

Does Spring Make You Sniffle & Sneeze? You Might Have Seasonal Allergies!

Whenever a new season ushers, you feel a wave of itchiness, watery eyes, coughs, and even a sore throat. If so, you might be one of the millions who experience seasonal allergies.

Like any other allergy, seasonal allergies occur when your body’s immune system overreacts to something it perceives as a threat. In this case, the culprit is often pollen, the tiny airborne particles that plants release. These seemingly harmless dust motes trigger your body’s defense mechanisms, leading to the frustrating symptoms you experience.²

Common Symptoms of Seasonal Allergy

Listed below are some of the most common seasonal allergy symptoms:³

• A stuffy feeling in the nose; runny nose, sinus pains, and headaches 
• Cough with wheezing or shortness of breath
• Irritated, dry, or scratchy throat with uneasiness while swallowing
• Red, itchy, swollen, or watery eyes
• Itchy skin– accompanied by rash, blisters, swelling 
• Fatigue 
• Brain fog or feeling of confusion or incoherent thoughts

When to Expect Allergy Season? 

Seasonal allergies aren’t a year-round battle, but their timing can vary depending on your location and the specific triggers. Here’s a breakdown:²

• Spring: For many, February begins allergy season, with tree pollen causing havoc until early summer.
• Year-Round Pollination: Some regions experience pollen exposure for most of the year due to tree pollination during the initial seasons of the year, followed by grass pollination in spring and summer. 
• Rainy Season: Heavy rains can trigger the rapid growth of mold and fungi, leading to increased allergy symptoms during this time.

You can proactively manage your symptoms by understanding these seasonal trends and your allergy triggers. 

Cities with Worst Seasonal Allergies

Below, we’ve stated the top 20 cities with the worst seasonal allergies, so if you live in any of the following regions, you may need to partner with your healthcare provider for a preventive action plan:⁵

Top 20 Cities with Worst Seasonal Allergies

Stay tuned for the next part of this blog, where we’ll explore ways to identify your allergies and develop a plan to fight back!

Manage Seasonal Allergies at Home: Address the Issue Early!

Seasonal allergies can dampen anyone’s fun. That sniffling, sneezing, and itchy-eyed feeling can quickly turn your spring fling into a struggle session. But before you reach for the tissues and head straight to your doctor, here are some proactive steps to prevent allergy symptoms in the first place!

1. Limit the Exposure to Allergens

We’ve covered ways to minimize exposure to allergens, but what if some sneaky triggers still manage to get through? Identifying your specific allergy culprits is vital to targeted prevention.

Once you know what sparks your symptoms, here are some strategies to keep those triggers at bay:⁶

• Become a Weather Watcher: High winds and dry conditions can worsen allergies by kicking up pollen. Stay informed about daily weather forecasts and limit outdoor activities on high-allergen days.
• Gardening Gloves On (or Off): While enjoying the outdoors is great, consider taking a yard work break during peak allergy season. Mowing lawns, pulling weeds, and trimming hedges can stir up pollen and mold spores.
• Shower Away Sniffles: Pollen loves to hitch a ride on your clothes and hair. Develop a post-outdoor routine of showering and changing clothes to remove allergens before they settle in your home.
• Skip Outdoor Drying: Avoid hanging laundry outside during allergy season. Pollen can easily stick to sheets and towels, exacerbating your symptoms. Opt for indoor drying or a clothesline in a sheltered area.
• Mask Up When Necessary: Wearing a mask outdoors on high-pollen days can provide extra protection, so look for masks designed to filter allergens.

2. Cleanse your Indoor Air!

Even the most vigilant allergy warriors can experience symptoms after being indoors. That’s because allergens can hitch a ride on your clothes, hair, and pets! But fear not; here are some quick and easy tips for creating a cleaner, allergy-free haven inside your home:⁶

• Embrace Air Purification: Air conditioners and air purifiers are your indoor defense system. Air conditioners trap pollen and other allergens from entering your home, while purifiers filter existing allergens from the air. Consider HEPA-filtered air purifiers for optimal results.
• Filter Maintenance Matters: Regularly changing air filters in your air conditioner, furnace, and cleaner is crucial. A clogged filter is like a locked door – it can’t keep allergens out!
• Humidity in Check: Seasonal allergies can be exacerbated by dry or overly humid environments. Invest in a humidifier or dehumidifier to maintain a comfortable and allergen-unfriendly humidity level for your region.
• Vacuum Power: Vacuuming regularly, especially with a HEPA filter, removes dust mites, pet dander, and other allergens clinging to carpets and floors. Don’t forget the furniture and upholstery!

Even the Most Prepared Can Struggle: Relief for Persistent Symptoms

Let’s face it: allergies sometimes sneak through even after following all the prevention tips. If you’re still experiencing symptoms like congestion or difficulty breathing, don’t despair! Several safe and effective over-the-counter remedies can help ease your discomfort:

Over-the-Counter Relief Options:⁶

• Oral Antihistamines: These medications are allergy fighters, tackling sneezing, itching, runny nose, and watery eyes. Popular choices include cetirizine (Zyrtec Allergy), fexofenadine (Allegra Allergy), and loratadine (Claritin, Alavert).

• Corticosteroid Nasal Sprays: These sprays target nasal symptoms like congestion and stuffiness. Examples include fluticasone propionate (Flonase Allergy Relief), budesonide (Rhinocort Allergy), and triamcinolone (Nasacort Allergy 24 Hour). Talk to your doctor about long-term use of these sprays.
• Cromolyn Sodium Nasal Spray: This preventative spray helps block the release of allergy-causing substances in your immune system. It works best when used before allergen exposure and requires frequent daily use (4-6 times).
• Oral Decongestants: For temporary relief from stuffiness, oral decongestants like pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) can offer quick relief. Some allergy medications combine antihistamines with decongestants for a more comprehensive approach. Examples include cetirizine-pseudoephedrine (Zyrtec-D 12 Hour) and loratadine-pseudoephedrine (Claritin-D). Discuss decongestants with your doctor to ensure they’re right for you.

Rinsing Your Sinuses:⁶

You may have often seen doctors or mothers rinsing the sinuses of young children when they feel congested! Well, this remedy may not always work, but it can still be safe and effective in removing sinus or nasal congestion for some people. 

Here’s a quick 4-step guide to help you rinse your sinuses!

Step 1: Get a ready-made rinse kit or prepare a saline solution by adding 3 teaspoons of iodine-free salt with 1 teaspoon of baking soda in an airtight container. If you need to decongest, add this mix to a cup of lukewarm water/ distilled water.⁷

Step 2: Position yourself over your bathroom sink and tilt your head to one side.

Step 3: Gently insert the spout or the outlet of a wash bottle inside your one nostril (the one away from the sink) and let the solution flow through it towards your other nostril.

Step 4: Repeat the same procedure with your other nostril and breathe through your mouth.

By now, we hope you have gained substantial insights into managing your allergies or even preventing them to some extent. However, there may be times when these measures are not enough. In such moments, you need a medical partner who is well aware of your medical needs and can be trusted instantly—someone like Specialty Primary Care & Wellness.

Specialty Primary Care & Wellness: Expert Care for All Your Seasons of Health

Are you looking for a healthcare partner whom you can trust for every season? Look no further than Specialty Primary Care & Wellness! Here, we understand that healthcare needs can change throughout the year and across different stages of life. That’s why we offer comprehensive, personalized care customized to your and your family’s unique requirements. Our team of experienced professionals is dedicated to providing high-quality medical services that ensure your well-being, no matter the season.

Apart from taking care of all your allergy-related needs, we offer the following:  

• Preventive Care: Regular check-ups, health screenings, and wellness advice to keep you in optimal health.
• Chronic Disease Management: Expert management of conditions like diabetes, hypertension, asthma, and heart disease.
• Acute Care: Immediate attention for sudden illnesses, injuries, or infections.
• Women’s Health: Specialized services, including gynecological exams.
• Men’s Health: Focused care addressing issues like prostate health, cardiovascular risk, and sexual health.
• Mental Health: Support and treatment for mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, and stress management.

Choosing Specialty Primary Care & Wellness means choosing a lifelong partner in health. We are committed to guiding you through all the seasons of your life with expert care and unwavering support. 

So, why wait? Schedule an appointment with us today and experience the difference of having a dedicated healthcare partner by your side!