How to Prevent, Manage, and Treat Seasonal Allergies

April 3, 2019

A good portion of adults and children in the U.S are likely to suffer from seasonal allergies during the spring and summer.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), 19.9 million adults had cases of hay fever while 5.6 million children also reported having hay fever. Eight million children also reported having a respiratory allergy within the last year. No matter the year or season a high number of individuals will likely be impacted from seasonal allergies.

Anyone who’s ever had a seasonal allergy already knows that these allergies can lead to symptoms such as lower fatigue, lower productivity, and multiple nasal and respiratory irritations. These symptoms are increased as a person becomes increasingly exposed to pollen and allergens throughout the year.

So what should people to lower the exposure to allergy triggers? What are some ways to manage allergies at home and elsewhere? When should you get treatment for seasonal allergies and which medical providers can provide allergy relief?

Preventing seasonal allergies is relatively simple with at-home and personal care

woman blows nose due to seasonal allergies

RESERVE MY SPOT at denver Speer 

RESERVE MY SPOT at Denver highlands

RESERVE MY SPOT at denver east

RESERVE MY SPOT at cherry creek

 

Seasonal allergies are especially common during the spring and summer, but are easily preventable with a few techniques. The Mayo Clinic highlighted some of the most effective ways to control seasonal allergies such as hay fever:

Limiting exposure to allergy triggers

It may seem hard to constantly avoid allergy triggers since doing everyday activities, like going outside, increases your exposure to pollen and similar triggers. A good way to start reducing allergy trigger exposure is to first wear a pollen mask when doing any chores outside. A mask can help reduce the spread of pollens into nasal and respiratory passages.

Additionally, try to avoid going outside for lengthy periods during breezy and dry days. Dry and windy weather is more likely to spread allergy triggers. If you do go outside for chores or activities make sure to remove your clothes and shower once you go home to wash off pollen.

Keep a watch out for days with higher-than-normal pollen counts

In some cases, pollen counts can be especially higher than normal and increase your risk of triggering a seasonal allergy. Look online at trusted news sources and local media outlets in the morning to see if there will be abnormal pollen counts in your town/city.

In addition, make sure to avoid going outside as much as possible during these days and take any allergy medications you may have before leaving your residence.

Maintain high-quality indoor air

Controlling the air in your household is also critical for making sure you significantly lower the chance of triggering seasonal allergies like hay fever. The most effective ways to improve air quality in your house is to use dehumidifiers, air purifiers, and update air filters on your air conditioners or central heating when appropriate.

Additionally, make sure to also regularly vacuum floors, dust surfaces, and clean countertops with disinfectant. A clean, comfortable household environment can help reduce your contact with pollen and other allergy triggers.

Use over-the-counter medication to manage symptoms, but visit your nearest urgent care to treat consistent allergy symptoms

child with consistent seasonal allergies

Patients that start to experience the symptoms of allergies should begin by using over-the-counter medications. When used as directed, these medications can help reduce common irritations, symptoms, and other uncomfortable symptoms.

The types of medications that can help reduce seasonal allergy symptoms include:

  • Oral antihistamines - These medications help to relieve sneezing, itching, runny nose, and watery eyes.
  • Decongestants - Oral medications and nasal sprays that help provide relief from nasal stuffiness.
  • Nasal spray- A nasally administered medication that provides multiple symptom relief for individuals with allergies.  
  • Combination medicines - Over-the-counter drugs such as Claritin D that contains a mix of antihistamines and decongestants.

Remember to always use these medications based on their directions and always consult your medical provider if you have questions or concerns about these over-the-counter medications.

If your symptoms are still aggravating after the use of over-the-counter medications then make sure to visit one of our local AFC Urgent Care Denver clinics. Patients never need to schedule an appointment for allergy relief and can visit one of our locations for fast and affordable service.

Additionally, patients in the Denver Speer area can visit our newest location whenever they require seasonal allergy services. Our patients that require urgent care near Denver Speer area can visit us right at 777 E Speer Blvd. Ste 100 Denver, CO 80203.

However, we do also allow patients to check-in online as a way to streamline their visit and get in and out of our clinic as soon as possible. Don’t let seasonal allergies impact your day more than they already do and start to take control of allergy symptoms by visiting one of our AFC Urgent Care centers:

RESERVE MY SPOT at denver Speer 

RESERVE MY SPOT at Denver highlands

RESERVE MY SPOT at denver east

RESERVE MY SPOT at cherry creek

Blog Categories

Archives

Recent Blogs

About Our Services:

Call Coming Soon! for more information about our Five Points urgent care services.