Spring is a favorite time of the year for many, a time when the weather turns warmer, flowers bloom, and outdoor activities kick off again.

For spring allergy sufferers, however, spring can be a struggle. If you’re dealing with spring allergies and can’t get relief, take heart! State Urgent Care in Starkville, MS, can provide the help you need.

What Are Spring Allergies?

Like all allergies, spring allergies involve your immune system overreacting to substances (called allergens) that find their way into your body, often through your nose, eyes, or mouth. People who suffer from allergies in springtime may react to different allergens. Some common seasonal allergens include pollen from:

Flowers.
Trees.
Weeds.
Grasses.

Molds can also cause spring allergies for some people.

Just as people react to some allergens and not others, allergy symptoms can vary from person to person.

Spring Allergy Symptoms

People experience a wide range of spring allergy symptoms, including:

Sneezy.
Runny nose.
Nasal congestion.
Sinus pressure.
Itchy nose, eyes, or the roof of your mouth.
Throat irritation.
Watery eyes.
Postnasal drip (mucus dripping down your throat).

When to Go to Urgent Care for Spring Allergies

If your symptoms are persistent, bothersome, and not relieved by the medications you typically take, seek help at urgent care for allergies.

For some people, allergens can trigger a severe reaction known as anaphylaxis. In this situation, treatment with your EpiPen (as instructed) and immediate transport to an emergency room are essential. Symptoms of anaphylaxis can include:

Swelling of your neck, mouth, throat, or face.
Rapid heart rate.
Lightheadedness.
Fainting.
Breathing difficulty.
Hypoxia (blue or gray lips or fingernails).

How Can Urgent Care Help?

Urgent care is an excellent choice for spring allergy treatment. Skilled providers can assess your symptoms, perform an exam, and determine the best treatments to help you get relief.

In some cases, people with asthma can experience asthma symptoms due to allergy triggers. An urgent care provider can assess your breathing, discuss your asthma management history, and treat your symptoms.

Preventing Allergy Flare-Ups

If you suffer from spring allergies, here are some things you can do to reduce your symptoms:

Avoid Allergen Exposure

Avoid spending time outside when pollen counts are high. Your local TV station, the internet, or a weather app can provide allergen information for your area.
Start taking your allergy medication before pollen counts are forecasted to rise.
When pollen counts are high, keep your windows closed. Avoid drying clothes or bedding on an outdoor clothesline.
Mornings are often peak times for pollen. Try to avoid being outside in the morning.
Showering after you come inside or before bed may help reduce allergen exposure.

Reduce Allergens Indoors

You can try several things to keep the air inside your home clean and reduce allergen levels.

Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter to better contain pollen, dust, and other allergens.
A dehumidifier can help keep the air inside your home dry and reduce allergy symptoms.
Using air conditioning inside your home may be helpful.
Consider trying an air purifier, a device that actively filters indoor air.

Treating Allergies

Several over-the-counter medications and other treatment options can reduce allergy symptoms.

Antihistamines. Medications like loratadine (Claritin), cetirizine (Zyrtec), and fexofenadine (Allegra) may relieve nasal congestion, sneezing, and other symptoms.
Nasal Sprays. Steroid nasal sprays like fluticasone (Flonase) and triamcinolone (Nasacort) may help control your allergy symptoms. Cromolyn nasal spray, a different type of medication, may be helpful.
Nasal Irrigation. Over-the-counter nasal irrigation kits typically use non-medicated saline to cleanse your nasal passages and relieve congestion. Be sure to use bottled water rather than tap water to help prevent infection.

If you need help dealing with spring allergies, visit us today. Featuring shorter wait times, extended hours, and exceptional care, State Urgent Care ensures high-quality care is available when you need it.