Allergies in the Spring: Seasonal Symptoms

The spring season is here, meaning the majority of the population is now suffering from spring allergies. Allergies are diseases of the immune system that cause a hyper reaction to substances called “allergens.”

Spring allergies assemble based on the type of trigger, the time of year, or the location of symptoms on the body. Allergies can be from indoor and outdoor irritants. Allergies can be from food, latex allergies, insects, skin allergies, and eye allergies. These substances can trigger symptoms including sneezing, wheezing, coughing, runny nose, itchy eyes, watery eyes, and itching.

Allergies not only annoy people but also have links to a variety of common and serious respiratory illnesses. Sinusitis and asthma are two common ailments allergies can affect. Taking steps to prevent and treat allergies will improve your quality of life.

Additionally, allergic reactions can be severe and even fatal. Proper management and education can control allergic diseases. Anyone with allergies can lead normal and productive lives.

Deflate Puffy Eyes

Allergies can often cause water retention, which results in puffy eyes. To combat the bags and fluid buildup, try patting the area with your ring finger for about a minute per eye. Try to stimulate circulation and tone down puffiness in the morning.

You can also help control puffiness by sleeping in a slightly elevated position. Best to avoid salt and alcohol. Doing regular cardio to sweat out excess water and placing tea bags or cucumbers on the orbital bone of the eye provides additional relief.

Send Allergens Down the Drain

Irritating allergens like pollen can settle on your hair and skin, causing your symptoms to flare. Showering before bed will rinse the irritants away and prevent them from coating your pillow.

If you wash your hair daily, switch to a gentle shampoo that’s free of parabens, sulfates, gluten, and other additives. These can irritate or dry out your scalp when shampooing frequently.

Hydrate Dry Eyes

Many people take antihistamines to relieve sneezing and itchiness. They can block the muscarinic receptors that keep the eyes moist. Preservative-free drops can help.

If you wear contacts, consider switching to disposable lenses; it can keep your eyes comfortable. Since you toss them, the allergens accumulate every night.

Eye Allergy Health Tips:

  • If your eyes are red, itchy, and watery because of allergies, there are steps you can take to help ease your discomfort.
  • When heading outside, wear a wide-brimmed hat to help prevent pollen from blowing into the eyes
  • After spending time outside, use eye drops to help rinse allergens from the eyes.
  • Wear sunglasses when outdoors to help shield the eyes from allergens.
  • Talk with your doctor about taking medication to help relieve symptoms.

Brighten Up Dark Circles

If your allergies are keeping you up at night your skin can become dull and pale. This can be especially noticeable in the transparent skin under the eyes. Vitamins D and K heal blood vessels and improve under-eye darkness. Caffeine increases circulation to brighten the under-eye area.

Relieve Your Red Nose

Constant nose blowing can turn skin red, raw, and flaky. You can target the area with a treatment that contains humectants, essential oils, and peptides to control flaking and sensitivity.

Prevention may not always fully protect you against allergies, but it’s a good place to start. Look around at all the places you go. Begin with starting your day at home, going to work, studying at school, traveling outside, and going on vacation.

Allergens exist in every environment, but fortunately, there are things you can do to prevent allergies. To avoid the spring allergy season be sure to find the triggers of your symptoms and avoid them. Ensure to check your local pollen counts regularly.

Allergy Testing

Other options to treat allergies include specific allergy testing. Doctors can perform blood tests to determine what you are allergic to. Immunotherapy allergy shots are a possible solution for some as allergies can cause secondary infections and other complications. Speak with your primary care provider about seeing an allergy specialist for proper treatment.

Allergy Treatment at our Urgent Care

Our urgent care center provides treatment for your allergy symptoms. We also provide medical care for secondary infections relating to Spring allergies. In addition we have x-rays on site for upper respiratory conditions such as asthma, coughs, and much more. Don’t let your Spring allergies get you down this season!