Spring Allergies Survival Guide

woman having seasonal allergies

Spring Allergies Survival Guide

How to Survive the “April Showers” of Texas

Ah, the joys of spring! We get to enjoy longer warmer days, fresh air, blooming fields, and allergies.

That’s right folks, at Altus Emergency Centers we are getting ready for allergy season. If you’re one of the millions of Americans who experience seasonal allergies, so should you!

two girls with allergies

What Causes Spring Allergies

Allergens, those pesky little airborne particles are the ones responsible for sending our immune systems into overdrive causing one or more of the following symptoms: sneezing, a stuffy or a runny nose, watery eyes, coughing and itchy eyes and nose.

The most common allergens this time of year are:

  • – Pollen
  • – Mold Spores
  • – Dust
up close photo of a flower's stem

Pollen is by far the biggest spring allergy trigger. It gets wisped into the air by blooming flowers, trees, grasses, and weeds. Most noteworthy in Spring, these tiny grains get released into the air as part of their pollination process.

This is an entirely natural and beautiful process necessary for the renewal of nature. Unfortunately, for the countless Americans who suffer from allergies, spring can be a complete torture. But do you really understand why? First, their immune system mistakenly sees pollen as a dangerous substance. Next, it overreacts by releasing antibodies to combat it. As a result, you experience those terrible annoying allergy symptoms.

Preventing or Minimizing Your Spring Allergies

Although there are countless medications that can control the symptoms of seasonal allergies, it is always best to avoid getting them in the first place.

spring allergy preparing tip infographic
  • Get a Head Start: If you already know you have spring allergies, then the best thing you can do is to start taking your allergy medication before you show any symptoms. Taking a daily antihistamine or applying nasal spray can reduce the symptoms.
  • – Keep an Eye on Your Local Pollen Count: The level of pollen in the air is higher during breezy days when the wind picks up these microscopic grains, during rainy days the allergens are practically washed away. You can check the pollen count in your area by entering your zip code here.
  • – Avoid the Outdoors: We know this is not the best way to spend these beautiful spring days, but, limiting your time outdoors will help prevent or at least reduce the severity of your allergy symptoms.
  • – Use Your Air Conditioner: Close the windows of your home, office, and car and turn on your air conditioner unit. You should make sure the filters are cleaned on a regular basis to avoid dust, and mold from accumulating in the vents and filters.
  • – Shower After Any Outdoor Activity: Spring is a lovely time to renew your garden and play outside with your kids. If you know you will be spending time outdoors make sure to take your antihistamine medication before you leave your home, and shower upon returning. Pollen is sticky, and it can cling to your skin, hair, and clothing and then transfer to your couch and rugs where it can continue to cause allergic reactions.
  • – Determine Your Allergy Profile: Pollen from different trees, flowers, grasses, and weeds affect everyone differently, you should make an appointment with an allergy specialist to determine which types of pollen affect you most.

Know When You Need to Visit the ER

For most allergy sufferers spring allergies pose nothing more than annoying symptoms that are usually controlled with some over the counter medications, however, sometimes your antihistamine may not be enough to control them.

woman with a cough

Anytime you experience severe and sudden symptoms especially those that make breathing difficult you should seek immediate emergency medical attention.

You could be experiencing anaphylaxis, a type of allergic reaction that is rapid, severe, and could become life-threatening.

  • – Rashes or hives anywhere on the body
  • – Inability to breathe well or at all
  • – A sense of impending doom
  • – Swelling of throat and mouth
  • – Difficulty in swallowing or speaking
  • – Severe asthma
  • – A sudden feeling of weakness (low blood pressure)
  • – Collapse and unconsciousness

Altus Emergency Centers are equipped with the necessary medications, equipment, and qualified staff to control any type of allergic reaction.There is no time to lose waiting in line during this or any type of emergency. We are open 24/7 with no lines.

Altus Emergency Room Baytown

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