Here’s What to Do for Seasonal Allergies

Allergies can put a damper on our everyday lifestyles, especially when kids are preparing for back to school. The changing seasons bring forth an array of allergens and discomfort that can affect our performance and overall well-being. Finding out what to do for seasonal allergies will allow you to take charge and implement a proactive approach concerning the health and well-being of yourself and your family.

What to Do for Seasonal Allergies: Recognizing the Signs

Every person experiences allergies and responds to treatment differently. Whether you are new to allergies or suffer from them every year, being able to promptly identify the signs will help you address the symptoms faster and decrease discomfort.

What to Do for Seasonal Allergies: Recognizing the Signs

Every person experiences allergies and responds to treatment differently. Whether you are new to allergies or suffer from them every year, being able to promptly identify the signs will help you address the symptoms faster and decrease discomfort.

Some symptoms to look out for include: a runny and stuffy nose, watery eyes, coughing, sinus congestion, itchy roof of the mouth, and hives. Pay attention to what times of the year and the days these symptoms appear so you can avoid exposure in the future.

The Holistic Approach: At-Home Remedies

Spring and Fall tend to be the months when seasonal allergies are at their worst. If you’re experiencing mild allergy symptoms, you can help by avoiding the outdoors or washing your hands and face when coming back indoors. You can also treat them with over-the-counter medication or at-home remedies before seeking medical advice from your doctor. Some things you can try at home are:

• Using Eyedrops to Alleviate Irritation: Quickly relieve red, watery eyes with over-the-counter eye drops. Seasonal allergic conjunctivitis, or SAC, is the most common allergy affecting the eyes. Applying eye drops and cool compresses to the affected area can also help relieve inflammation in the eyes caused by prolonged exposure to common allergens.
• Breathing in Steam: A hot, steamy shower can help to remedy nasal congestion. This hot water vapor helps thin out the mucus in your nasal passages for easier drainage. The steam can also decrease inflammation, if present, which will allow you to breathe more easily.
• Try Some Raw Local Honey: As one of the most natural remedies to treat allergies, local raw honey has been known to help prevent seasonal allergies. This local honey is produced by bees collecting the local pollen causing your allergies, and thus its consumption is thought to decrease sensitivity to them.

What Your Doctor May Do

Suppose you experience extreme symptoms like body aches, pain when breathing, fever, swelling, or extensive rashes. In that case, you should seek medical advice to help you determine what to do for seasonal allergies. Your doctor will assess your symptoms and decide whether you need stronger prescription-based medication than conventional over-the-counter options. Other things you may be able to accomplish with your doctor are:

• Allergy Testing: Your doctor, or an allergist, can perform specific tests to determine the specific allergens that are causing your discomfort. Knowing this will help you avoid them and provide helpful information needed to develop a treatment plan.
• Immunotherapy: Stronger medication in the form of allergy shots or sublingual tablets can be prescribed when excessive symptoms are present. Allergy shots often contain some of the allergens you are sensitive to, which helps your immune system build a tolerance to them, causing them to lessen over time.

If you or anyone in your family suffers from seasonal allergies, request an appointment today!