Prepare for Allergy Season

Prepare for this year’s allergy season with some tips and things to remember to manage your allergies this Spring

Many prepare for the Spring season with a traditional cleaning as we “wash away the old” – saying goodbye to the cold weather and welcoming spring flowers and showers. Unfortunately, Springtime also means the peak season for seasonal allergies, a prevalent medical condition many suffer from. Prepare for this year’s allergy season with some tips and things to remember to manage your allergies this Spring. 

Sneezing, coughing, and watery and itchy eyes are just some of the overbearing symptoms those who suffer from seasonal allergies can experience during the peak of allergy season. Springtime allergies are very common, with CDC reports showing about 25% of the adult population is diagnosed with chronic allergies. 

Also, recent reports show that allergy season has been lengthened by more than two weeks – which can be disappointing news for those suffering from severe allergy symptoms. 

Since the peak of allergy season is right around the corner, here are some tips to be prepared for seasonal allergy management to minimize symptoms.

Prepare for Allergy Season: The Checklist

1. Know your allergy triggers.

A wide variety of things can trigger allergies. In the Springtime, it is mostly tree pollen that is the trigger, and the levels can be watched via local pollen reports to know when to limit outside activity.  

2. Stock up on your medication in advance.

Over-the-counter allergy medications manage most seasonal allergy symptoms. However, each medication targets different symptoms to treat, like most pills are for itching and nasal sprays are for congestion. Also, allergy medications expire, so checking the date and tossing anything past the expiration date is crucial. 

3. Reduce exposure to triggers. 

While following the environmental reports, like the local pollen count, action can be taken to protect the body’s entry points for allergens, like sunglasses to protect the eyes and a mask to protect the nose and face. 

4. Adjust your diet.

Incorporating certain foods into your diet can help minimize the severity of your seasonal allergy symptoms, like fruit and vegetables to help fight infection inflammation and green tea to loosen mucus.

5. Keep your air clean.

There is no way to eliminate allergens from the air entirely, but filters, dehumidifiers, and other tools can help create cleaner air.    

Prepare for Allergy Season: Things to Remember

• Go outside on rainy days when the pollen count will be significantly lower.
• Treat symptoms early, maybe even two weeks before allergy season.
• Shower and change your clothes directly after coming inside.

When to go to the ER for Seasonal Allergies

For most people, taking over-the-counter medications or home remedies is enough to ease the symptoms of seasonal allergies. However, other treatment options are available for those suffering from unbearable symptoms. 

Seek the advice of a healthcare professional to determine the best treatment option to treat your specific case. Some people receive an allergy shot to fight the symptoms, while others are prescribed a stronger tablet than you can get from your local pharmacy. 

At Topeka ER & Hospital, we are here to get you feeling better quicker! From severe congestion headaches to fever, our team of expert physicians provide exceptional medical care for any medical emergencies. Open 24/7, without the wait, experience accurate and rapid care at our medical facility with an onsite laboratory. 

Disclaimer: As a service to our readers, Topeka ER & Hospital and Nutex Health state no content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinicians.