Spring has sprung! And with it comes seasonal allergies. Though commonly diagnosed in youth, an increasing number of adults develop seasonal allergies. Our providers and specialists here at Horizon Family Medical Group can help diagnose seasonal, food, and many other allergies and help relieve your symptoms.
Who gets seasonal allergies?
Seasonal allergies can affect anyone, regardless of age or background. They occur when your immune system reacts to a specific allergen – such as pollen, animal dander, or dust mites – and causes various symptoms like sneezing, coughing, and itchy eyes. While seasonal allergies are generally harmless and manageable with over-the-counter medications and lifestyle changes, they can still be unpleasant and make it difficult to enjoy the warmer weather.
How to manage seasonal allergies
If you are experiencing seasonal allergy symptoms this spring, there are several things you can do to manage them. Some tips include:
- limiting your exposure to allergens like pollen by staying inside during peak allergy season;
- using a humidifier or saline nasal spray to keep your nasal passages moist;
- taking over-the-counter antihistamines or decongestants to relieve your symptoms;
- and seeing your healthcare provider if your seasonal allergies are particularly severe or don’t respond to these treatment methods.
With the right management techniques, you can enjoy all that spring has to offer without being held back by seasonal allergies.