Seasonal allergies: Symptoms, treatment, and tips on how to beat them

Allergic reactions? Get through allergy season by learning more about seasonal allergy symptoms, allergy treatment, and tips on beating common allergies. Having to sniffle and sneeze through spring can be challenging. The good news is that you don’t have to do so if you know what an allergy attack looks like, how to deal with allergies, and how you can prevent them.

Common allergic reactions

During spring, allergy season is in full bloom. It means that allergen levels are through the roof as pollen levels peak in the northeast part of the US. If you suffer from seasonal allergy symptoms, you’re not alone. More than 50 million Americans have allergies. Some of the most common signs of allergic reactions are:

• Watery, itchy eyes
• Runny nose
• Sneezing
• Sore throat
• Coughing
• Fatigue
• Dark circles under the eyes

Allergy treatment

Many other illnesses share the same symptoms as allergies. Before starting any treatment, visit an urgent care center and get tested so the doctor can determine what type of allergy you have and what treatment method would be appropriate. The different types of allergies are:

• Drug Allergy
• Food Allergy
• Insect Allergy
• Latex Allergy
• Mold Allergy
• Pet Allergy
• Pollen Allergy

If you have seasonal allergies, doctors can prescribe allergy immunotherapy as a preventive treatment against allergic reactions to pollen. So, make sure you seek treatment as hay fever can trigger other common allergic reactions, such as:

• Asthma
  
  Seasonal allergies can exacerbate asthma symptoms. Exposure to pollen can trigger severe asthma attacks.
• Eczema/Atopic dermatitis
  
  Hay fever is a common cause of this skin condition. Pollen is a known trigger for eczema.
• Sinusitis
  
  Hay fever can cause prolonged nasal congestion, which can cause sinusitis, an infection of the membrane that lines the sinuses.
• Hives
  
  This allergic skin rash can stem from various allergens.
• Conjunctivitis
  
  Allergic reactions can cause itchy and watery eyes. Allergic conjunctivitis cases often increase during hay fever season.

Tips for beating seasonal allergies

Do’s

• Visit an urgent care center if you have any symptoms or allergic reactions.
• Get an allergy test. Most insurance plans cover blood work for seasonal allergies.
• Spring may seem like a great time to open the windows but resist the temptation to open them.
• Use air conditioning to help keep allergens out of your home.
• Stay inside when pollen levels are high. Check the New York pollen forecast before planning outdoor activities.

Don’ts

• Don’t ignore the symptoms. Allergy symptoms can be more than a nuisance. They can cause severe allergic and asthma reactions.
• Don’t self-medicate. There are plenty of OTC allergy medications available but consult a doctor before taking medications.

For more health tips and advice, schedule an appointment for seasonal allergy consultation or treatment at an urgent care center near me in New York.