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Get ready for allergy season

  • Posted On:
  • Written By: Felicia Messimer
Get ready for allergy season

Allergy season is coming up and with the change of season can come some pretty uncomfortable symptoms. From symptoms to prevention, here’s what to know to help you cope with your seasonal allergies before they take over your daily life.

Know Your Triggers

The best way to ensure your allergies don’t wreak havoc on your day-to-day life is to know your most common triggers. When someone has an allergy, they're sensitive to substances that don't affect most people. For some staying indoors on dry, windy days might be best. If your allergies are severe, you may want to visit an allergist to correctly pinpoint your biggest triggers so that you can avoid them.

Common Allergy Triggers

Mold

As the temperature rises and moisture enters the air, the chance for mold increases around the home. Dust mites peak in the summer months and nest in your beds, fabrics, and carpets. In turn, their residue can be spread throughout your home, leaving you and your family sneezing, wheezing, or constantly wiping runny noses.

Grass and Weeds

Outside, the pollen might be dying down, but there are still plenty of trees, plants, and weeds that can lead to allergy symptoms. All are based on location, but ragweed can be one of the most common. If you notice your symptoms increase when you’re near fresh cut grass, chances are you may have an allergy.

Insect Bits & Stings

The end of summer you might notice an increase in bees and bugs throughout the month. For most a bite or sting might cause mild itching or swelling, but for others, it can be an emergency. Your throat and tongue might swell, you can feel dizzy or nauseated, and some may go into shock. If a severe reaction occurs, you’ll need to seek immediate medical attention.

Pollen

The most telling sign of pollen allergy is that it is seasonal; people only have symptoms when the pollen they are allergic to is in the air. This type of allergy is termed "seasonal allergic rhinitis." Rhinitis is the term for an inflammation in the nose. When a person is allergic to several pollens and/or molds or dust or has symptoms year round, it's called "perennial allergic rhinitis."

Spring Clean

To ensure you are not bringing in any other allergens with you, take off your jacket and shoes as soon as you go inside, leaving your shoes at the door. Wash your hands and shower often to remove any outdoor allergens. Wash your pets more often, and vacuum and clean throughout the week. You also will want to change your HVAC systems filter to ensure it’s working, as it should provide you with clean, allergy free air.

Notice Pollen Counts

One great habit to get into is tracking the pollen count in local weather reports. A pollen count is a measure of how much pollen is in the air at a given time. Counts tend to be higher in the morning and on dry, windy days. It's a good idea to stay indoors when pollen counts are high.

Some other tips include:

  • showering after being outside
  • keeping doors and windows closed
  • wearing a mask when working outdoors
  • using the air conditioner in your home and car

Know When It’s More Than Allergies

Sometimes what you might think are allergies could be a lingering cold. If you have clear or watery mucus, itchy watery eyes, the symptoms appear in certain situations, or sniffles that last longer than a week, you are most likely suffering from allergy symptoms.

If you are struggling with allergy symptoms or are fighting a cold, the dedicated and experienced staff at the Campbell County Medical Group Walk-in Clinic in Gillette, Wyoming can provide you with the personal and quality care you need. Save your spot in line or walk-in today!

Learn more at www.cchwyo.org/wic.

  • Category: Campbell County Medical Group Family Medicine, Campbell County Medical Group Complex and Internal Medicine, Campbell County Medical Group Kid Clinic, Campbell County Medical Group Nephrology, Campbell County Medical Group Pediatrics, Campbell County Medical Group Walk-In Clinic & Occupational Health, Campbell County Medical Group Wright Clinic & Occupational Health, Patient Care, Wellness