Spring allergies are unavoidable for many. While spring allergies are the most common type of seasonal allergies, they can occur during any time of the year.

Our AFC Urgent Care Easley team highlights what you can do to limit your seasonal allergy symptoms below, so keep reading!

What Causes Seasonal Allergies?

When the immune system encounters something in the air that it perceives as a threat, seasonal allergies develop. The immune system then creates histamines to defend your body, causing inflammation or congestion in your nose, throat and chest.

In the springtime, the biggest cause is pollen. In the fall, the biggest cause is ragweed. Both of these allergens are light and dry, and they can spread for miles and miles when they are carried by the wind. If you experience the symptoms below, you almost certainly have seasonal allergies.

Common Seasonal Allergy Symptoms

• Itchy, watery or red eyes
• Circles under eyes
• Itchy mouth, nose or throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Drainage from the nose down the back of the throat (postnasal drip)
• Temporary loss of smell
• Headache
• Sneezing

What Can I Do to Reduce My Allergy Symptoms?

Avoidance and medication are the two steps of treatment that work to minimize allergy symptoms. It’s important to reduce your pollen exposure if pollen is the source of all of your allergy symptoms in the spring. Staying indoors while pollen counts are high, operating your air conditioner, removing your clothing after being outdoors and bathing as soon as possible after spending time outside will all help.

Second, you can alleviate your symptoms by using over-the-counter antihistamines and nasal sprays. A few additional useful remedies are given below!

Ways to Reduce Spring Allergy Symptoms

• If you are dealing with lots of congestion, consider rinsing your sinuses with saline solution. This will flush out mucus and allergens from your nose.
• Keep indoor air clean. You can do this by using a dehumidifier and vacuuming regularly. This will reduce the amount of harmful allergens that make their way inside the home. Running your air conditioner also helps.
• Know when to take your allergy meds. If you typically experience bad allergies around the same time each year, start taking your nose sprays or OTC antihistamines about two weeks before allergy season starts, then keep taking them regularly throughout your allergy season.

We’re here for you now and always! Don’t hesitate to visit our AFC Urgent Care Easley team when you need allergy relief.