Spring Allergies

May 14

Guidance for Spring Allergies

Have tissues become your most reached-for spring accessory? Summit Medical Group providers understand the beauty of our East Tennessee spring comes with some drippy, droopy and draining downsides. Here are a few spring allergy tips as well as some guidance on when to consult your provider.

OTC to the Rescue

Medical professionals recommend the use of nasal steroids, antihistamines, nasal sprays, eye drops and saline rinses to help patients manage the symptoms of spring allergies. Many useful medications and solutions are available over the counter (OTC) in stores. If you have chronic illnesses or take medications for other issues, it's always a good idea to consult your primary care physician before starting any medication.

If you're in the middle of spring allergy misery now and find products that work for you, set a reminder on your phone or calendar for next year. Starting nasal steroids or antihistamines a week or two before peak allergy season can help prevent or lessen allergy inflammation.

When to see Your Doctor

OTC options can be effective, but when spring allergies become a major annoyance interfering with daily life, you should consider seeing a primary care professional.

Schedule an appointment when:

  • Your OTC solutions don't provide sufficient relief after 7-10 days.
  • You can't sleep, exercise or focus due to allergies, symptoms or allergy medication.
  • You need a clear diagnosis. Allergy symptoms can overlap with other illnesses such as sinus infections or respiratory viruses. See your provider to help provide clarity.
  • You have other, more serious symptoms such as wheezing or facial swelling.

Your primary care provider can help you decide if you should pursue additional testing, see an allergy specialist or consider other treatment.

Quick Tips to Curb Pollen

Pollen is a primary cause of spring allergies in East Tennessee and it's - by design - sticky so that it can fulfill its purpose of pollination. Unfortunately, it cannot discern humans from pollinators, so it sticks to everything. Here are a few tips to avoid it:

  • Stay indoors as much as possible when pollen counts are high, especially mornings or when it's warm and windy.
  • Change air filters in your car and home, use air conditioner instead of fans and keep windows closed.
  • Wear a mask and wraparound sunglasses when working outside.
  • When you come inside, leave shoes at the door, shower, wash your hair and change clothes.
  • Use saline nasal rinse to clean pollen from nasal passages.
  • Rain helps wash down pollen, so post-rain is the best time to be outside.

Summit Medical Group is your trusted partner during spring allergy season and beyond. Let us know how we can help you navigate this sneezon, er, season.