How To Keep Your Seasonal Allergies In Check

Warm weather is here and residents of Charlotte are looking forward to enjoying outdoor activities, such as swimming, playing tennis, golf, sailing, hiking. But all of this can be interrupted if you are one of many who suffer from seasonal allergies (hay fever).

Some Charlotte residents see changing weather as a time of sniffling, sneezing, itchy watery eyes and fearing that seasonal allergies will trigger an asthma attack. One way of reducing allergen exposure is to bathe or change clothing after being outdoors for prolonged periods of time to help remove pollens and other allergens. Staying indoors as much as possible is another way of handling seasonal allergies, but this can be extreme and is not possible for many people. The following are some other effective ways of battling seasonal allergies to help you remain active during allergy season.

Many Charlotte residents have also found long lasting relief by seeking an allergy evaluation and treatment at Carolina Asthma & Allergy Center.

The First Step in Controlling Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis is Recognition

There are multiple common symptoms of allergic rhinitis that include:

• A runny nose
• An itchy nose
• A stuffy nose
• Sneezing
• Coughing
• A sore or scratchy throat
• Watery eyes
• Itchy eyes

It is important to understand there can be many causes of allergic reactions, and some of those affect us seasonally. Anyone can develop allergies at any age, making it crucial to recognize the common triggers. Some causes of allergies include:

• Pollen
• Grass
• Pets
• Dust mites
• Cockroaches
• Perfume
• Cigarette smoke

Exposure to these and other substances causes your body to release a natural defense known as histamine to defend your body from allergens. The release of histamine in your body is part of what causes various symptoms such as a runny nose, sneezing or a scratchy throat.

Treatment of Seasonal Allergies

Allergy sufferers have options for self-treatment. When allergies alone are the issue, DIY diagnosis and treatment may be helpful. If you have allergies that do not respond to simple treatment methods or your allergies are coupled with asthma, you should find a reliable allergy treatment facility in Charlotte. For those who are sure they have allergies, here are some tips for relief:

1. Install a high-efficiency allergen filter on your air conditioning system
2. The most recommended treatment for seasonal allergies is an intranasal corticosteroid like fluticasone propionate.  A few of these types of sprays are over-the-counter and do not need a prescription. They help alleviate symptoms of nasal congestion, runny nose, and sometimes allergy-related eye symptoms.
3. Non-drowsy oral antihistamines such as Zyrtec, Allegra, or Claritin have proven quite helpful in controlling multiple symptoms of allergies. For the best results when using these medicines take them as early in the day as possible. Relief is more complete if the medicine is taken before allergy symptoms show up.
4. Nasal decongestant sprays are another way to relieve allergy symptoms. These over-the-counter medications tend to work well in the short-term if used on occasion and for a brief period of time. Many allergists tell patients not to use a nasal decongestant for more than three days as there is evidence that patients become dependent on it.
5. Oral Decongestants are also available over-the-counter and help reduce symptoms. They function by constricting blood vessels, but can cause side effects like a rise in blood pressure, rapid heart rate, headaches, irritability, and nervousness. They should be used with caution, especially by patients with a history of uncontrolled high blood pressure, heart rhythm issues, glaucoma, or strokes.

If your hay fever causes discomfort and is not responding to nonprescription allergy medication, consider seeing a specialist at Carolina Asthma & Allergy Center, the oldest allergy provider in the Charlotte metropolitan area.

Begin Getting Allergy Relief Today

Serving the Charlotte area since 1952, Carolina Asthma & Allergy Center is the area’s largest asthma and allergy practice made up entirely of board-certified physicians. We deliver patient-focused care to all ages. We are committed to educating the patient and caregiver, improving the quality of life, and maintaining our own high standard of expertise and care. Areas of specialty include food allergy, drug allergy, venom allergy, and asthma. Carolina Asthma & Allergy Center helps patients Breathe, Live and ultimately Thrive by effectively treating and often curing allergy and asthma challenges.  With 15 offices and 14 board certified allergists one of our locations is nearby. Contact us to make an appointment.