Managing Seasonal Allergies: Tips and Treatments

Seasonal allergies strike when the body’s immune system overreacts to inhaled allergens. These normally harmless substances can trigger an excessive immune response in an allergy-prone individual. Millions of people are affected each year, particularly during seasonal transitions when airborne allergen levels peak. The primary culprit is pollen, although mold spores can contribute to seasonal allergies year-round.

In the winter, trees become dormant, which enables them to survive colder temperatures. With the advent of spring comes warmer weather and more daylight, prompting trees to “awaken” from dormancy. During the spring bloom, trees and flowering plants release a profusion of pollen into the air. This fine, powdery, yellowish-green dust is easily carried by the wind and can be seen coating a variety of outdoor surfaces. Spring is followed by summer, which brings extra warmth along with an abundance of grass and hay pollen, triggering bouts of hay fever in those susceptible. Then, with the arrival of fall, ragweed pollen becomes a major nuisance for many allergy sufferers.

Each season presents unique allergens, making it essential for those affected to recognize their triggers and take proactive steps to manage any bothersome allergy symptoms, such as coughing, sneezing, throat irritation, nasal congestion, and itchy, watery eyes.

Tips to Reduce Your Exposure to Allergens

The first step in managing seasonal allergies is minimizing your exposure to pollen and other airborne allergens. The experienced team at South Tampa Immediate Care suggests the following allergy prevention strategies:

  • Monitor pollen levels – Check the daily pollen counts and try to stay indoors as much as possible when levels are elevated, especially during the early morning and late afternoon hours.
  • Limit outdoor activities when pollen counts are high – If possible, avoid or delegate tasks that tend to stir up pollen, such as mowing the lawn, raking leaves, and gardening.
  • Keep windows closed – Prevent airborne allergens from entering your home and car by using air conditioning instead of opening the windows, particularly on windy days.
  • Shower and change clothes after spending time outdoors – As soon as you come inside, be sure to wash away any pollen on your skin and hair and change into a clean set of clothing.
  • Use a HEPA filter – Install a high-efficiency particulate air filter in your home’s air system, which can ease allergies by trapping pollen and other allergens that have found their way inside.

Effective Treatments for Seasonal Allergies

Sometimes, avoiding airborne allergens is not enough, and disruptive symptoms develop anyway. A variety of allergy treatments may help, such as:

  • Over-the-counter antihistamines – Readily available without a prescription, medications such as loratadine, cetirizine, and fexofenadine can block the effects of histamine (a chemical released by the body during an allergic reaction) and alleviate the related symptoms.
  • Nasal corticosteroids – OTC sprays like fluticasone and mometasone can target inflammation in the nasal passages and help reduce congestion and irritation.
  • Decongestants – Medications such as pseudoephedrine can relieve nasal congestion; however, these remedies should be used sparingly to avoid rebound congestion.
  • Allergy eye drops – Antihistamine or decongestant eye drops can offer relief from itchy, watery eyes.
  • Allergy shots (immunotherapy) – For individuals with severe allergies, immunotherapy may be considered to gradually desensitize the immune system to allergens.
  • Saline nasal irrigation – Using a saline rinse or neti pot can help flush allergens from the nasal passages and lessen any congestion.

If allergy symptoms persist despite home remedies and over-the-counter treatments, consulting a healthcare provider is recommended. Persistent allergies can lead to complications, such as a sinus infection, asthma flare-up, or difficulty sleeping. A medical professional can determine the best course of treatment, which may include prescription medications or immunotherapy.

Find Allergy Relief at South Tampa Immediate Care

Effective management of seasonal allergies can improve your quality of life and help you enjoy each season to the fullest. If you are struggling with hay fever or other allergy-related concerns, South Tampa Immediate Care can provide an expert evaluation and treatment options to help you find relief. Visit our walk-in clinic in Tampa, Florida, today for an allergy management solution tailored to your unique needs. You can also enter our waiting room remotely and receive a text confirmation and updates on your position in the queue.