Do you usually struggle with allergy symptoms in the spring? If so, you’re certainly not alone. Seasonal allergies are extremely common all over the world, and they can be tough to deal with at times.

Thankfully, there are some things you can do to quell the effects that allergies have on your daily life, and our AFC Urgent Care Boulder team further explains below!

What Causes Spring Allergies?

Pollen, pollen, pollen. As trees, flowers, grass and weeds begin to grow, they pollinate other plants. Since pollen is so tiny and light, it can be spread for miles and miles, which makes it tough to avoid when spending time outdoors.

When you inhale pollen, the immune system releases histamines as a way of expelling pollen from your body. This causes inflammation of the nose and throat and other symptoms that we’ve listed below, aka 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

How Can I Treat Seasonal Allergies?

While there is no way to cure seasonal allergies (sadly), there are definitely certain things you can do to make your symptoms less severe. One of these is to take over-the-counter decongestants or antihistamines, which can help you stop sneezing and sniffling.

A few other useful allergy-relieving strategies are listed below.

Ways to Reduce Seasonal Allergy Symptoms

• Know when to take your allergy medications. 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, and then keep taking them regularly throughout your allergy season.
• 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.
• After spending time outside, remove your clothes and shower to rinse pollen from your skin and hair.

Need allergy relief? We’re here for you! Stop by our AFC center today.