Seasonal Allergies

At Founders Family Medicine, we understand how tough allergy season can be. That’s why we’re here to help you manage your symptoms effectively. Seasonal allergies, triggered by things like pollen, mold spores, dust mites, and pet dander, can cause sneezing, a runny nose, itchy eyes, and skin rashes. We know that everyone’s allergies are different, which is why we offer personalized treatments to address your specific triggers.

Our treatments for seasonal allergies are based on what works best. Our customized treatments aim to give you long-lasting relief and improve your quality of life during allergy season.

We emphasize identifying and avoiding allergens whenever possible. We also educate our patients on recognizing symptoms and taking proactive measures during allergy season to prevent allergic reactions. With our specialized care tailored to your needs, we’re here to help you navigate allergy season successfully.

Contact us to schedule an appointment for seasonal allergy treatment services.

Allergies impact both children and adults with a variety of symptoms. Allergies, whether seasonal or from another source, are our bodies’ reactions to irritants.

Seasonal allergies, also known as hay fever or allergic rhinitis, happen when our immune system gets a bit confused and thinks harmless stuff like pollen is dangerous. The body produces immunoglobulin E, an antibody, that leads to allergy symptoms. Specifically, seasonal allergies are a response to elements in the environment that occur seasonally. These allergies usually show up at certain times of the year when outdoor allergens like tree pollens and grass pollen are floating around. They mostly mess with our nose and throat, causing symptoms like congestion, sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes that can mess with our day-to-day life.

Knowing these things can help us deal with seasonal allergies better and come up with ways to manage and treat them that suit our needs.

Seasonal allergies can be a pain, especially when tree pollens and grass pollen are at their peak. Grass pollen season, which hits hard in late spring, is a big player in causing those pesky spring allergies. This time of year lines up with the warmer weather and longer days that make plants grow and release pollen. Trees also join the allergy party, with their pollen peaking in early spring.

When grass pollen season rolls around, it is like a pollen party in the air. If you’re sensitive to pollen, you might find yourself sneezing, dealing with itchy eyes, a stuffy nose, or even having trouble breathing. Knowing when these seasonal allergens are most active can help you get ready to tackle your allergy symptoms.

During grass pollen season, which usually hits in the spring, there are some things you can do to help keep those symptoms at bay. Try staying inside during the times when pollen levels are highest (usually in the morning), keep your windows shut, use air purifiers, and make sure to wash your clothes after spending time outdoors. If you’re still struggling, over-the-counter antihistamines or meds prescribed by your doctor can help ease those pesky allergy symptoms. By understanding when common seasonal allergens like grass pollen are at their peak in late spring, you can take steps to minimize the impact of outdoor allergens on your health and well-being.

When it comes to figuring out what’s causing your allergies, there are a few methods healthcare providers might use. One common way is through skin prick testing. This involves putting a small amount of the allergen on your skin and then pricking it to see if there’s a reaction. It is a pretty common way to diagnose seasonal allergies.

Diagnosing seasonal allergies involves looking at a variety of factors, like common allergy symptoms during different seasons, the types of allergies that are common throughout the year, and using methods like skin prick testing or blood tests to confirm allergic reactions to specific environmental factors. By using these diagnostic tools effectively, healthcare providers can accurately pinpoint seasonal allergies in patients based on their symptoms and exposure history.

When it comes to dealing with seasonal allergies, it is important to consider a variety of treatment options to help ease symptoms and improve quality of life.

At Founders Family Medicine, we offer seasonal allergy relief with diagnosis and treatment of the symptoms of seasonal allergies. For minimal allergy symptoms, allergy testing usually isn’t needed.

One common way to tackle allergies is by using corticosteroid nasal sprays. These sprays work to reduce inflammation in the nasal passages, which can help with congestion and a runny nose. They’re often recommended as a go-to treatment because they’re effective at managing allergic rhinitis.

However, for severe allergies, your physician may recommend allergy testing to identify the specific cause of your reaction. For folks with severe allergies that don’t respond well to other treatments, allergy shots may also be suggested. These shots work by slowly desensitizing the individual to specific allergens, helping to reduce the body’s overreaction to them over time.

Part of good allergy treatment is to avoid or reduce exposure to common triggers. For example, keep windows closed, use a HEPA filter, wear a pollen mask and limit the amount of time spent outside.

Choosing the right treatment for seasonal allergies depends on factors like how severe symptoms are, how well someone responds to medications, and personal preferences for how treatment is given. Talking with a healthcare provider can help figure out the best way to manage seasonal allergies effectively.

Seasonal allergy symptoms vary widely. In fact, they can range from very mild to life-threatening symptoms.

Knowing when to reach out to a medical expert is key when it comes to dealing with seasonal allergies 

Most mild allergy symptoms do not require professional medical care. However, for persistent symptoms that interrupt your daily life, a physician can provide helpful treatment solutions.

If you’re constantly sneezing, coughing, wheezing, having trouble breathing, or dealing with serious nasal congestion, it is time to pay a visit to the doctor. 

Environmental allergies can mess with your day-to-day life and overall health. If you’re having severe allergic reactions like hives, swelling in your face or throat, feeling dizzy, or struggling to breathe, don’t wait – seek medical help right away. And if you’ve got conditions like asthma that get worse when allergies are in full swing, make sure to touch base with your healthcare provider for some guidance on how to manage it. 

Also, if your seasonal allergies lead to a sinus infection, schedule an appointment to consult with a healthcare provider.

Knowing when to see a doctor for seasonal allergies is crucial for getting your symptoms under control and avoiding any complications that could come from leaving your allergies untreated. By getting help from a healthcare pro promptly and following their advice, you can better handle your seasonal allergies and boost your quality of life.

When talking to your healthcare provider about seasonal allergies, it is important to ask the right questions to understand the condition and manage its symptoms effectively.

Identification of Seasonal Allergy Triggers

• Ask about common allergens in your area during different seasons.
• Find out how indoor allergens like dust mites or pet dander can affect allergy symptoms.
• Talk about specific outdoor triggers such as tree pollen in spring or ragweed pollen in the fall.

Understanding the Immune Response

• Get an explanation of how your immune system reacts to allergens and causes symptoms like sneezing, congestion, and watery eyes.
• Understand the difference between seasonal allergies and other respiratory conditions like colds or sinus infections.
• Explore treatment options like antihistamines, decongestants, nasal corticosteroids, or immunotherapy.

Management Strategies and Follow-Up

• Ask about lifestyle changes that can help reduce exposure to allergens.
• Discuss when follow-up appointments are needed to see how well the treatment is working.
• Get advice on creating a personalized plan to manage seasonal allergy symptoms effectively.

Talking openly with your healthcare provider and asking these important questions can give you a better understanding of your seasonal allergies and help you improve symptom management and overall health.

Seasonal allergies can make life miserable for many people. When you’re suffering from allergic rhinitis, you might experience symptoms like sneezing, a stuffy or runny nose, itchy and watery eyes, and coughing. These symptoms can affect your day-to-day life during allergy seasons.

If you aren’t sure of the cause of your symptoms, our urgent care team can help you find the right diagnosis. Seasonal allergy symptoms mimic other conditions, like the common cold or even COVID-19. Urgent care provides peace of mind.

We can treat most seasonal allergy symptoms to help you restore comfort and find relief.

So don’t suffer in silence, seek help and start feeling better soon!

In Colorado, many seasonal plants and elements impact allergies. The irritants vary by season.

And let’s not forget about insect bites. Mosquitoes and bees can also trigger allergic reactions in some individuals. Their bites can lead to localized or systemic allergic responses, which can vary in severity depending on how sensitive someone is.

Indoor allergens can also make matters worse. Pet dander, for example, can circulate in homes with poor ventilation or improper cleaning practices. Air conditioning systems can also spread allergens throughout enclosed spaces, exacerbating allergic reactions even when you’re indoors.

Knowing about these common triggers is crucial for effectively managing seasonal allergies in Colorado’s unique environment.

Seasonal allergies can hit you hard at night, making you feel even worse than during the day. There are a few reasons for this. For starters, in late summer when allergens are all over the place, nighttime can make things even worse. During the day, allergens like pollen settle down because the wind calms down, but when it cools off at night, these allergens can kick back up into the air. This means you’re getting a bigger dose of allergens at night, which can make your symptoms go haywire.

Indoor triggers like dust mites and pet dander can also make your allergies act up at night. Most people spend more time inside at night, especially in their bedrooms where dust mites love to hang out in bedding and pets like to snuggle up nearby. Plus, if your air conditioning isn’t clean, it can spread allergens around your room, making things even worse.

On top of all that, your nasal passages naturally swell a bit at night because of your body’s internal clock. This swelling can make it harder to breathe, leading to more congestion and discomfort from your allergies. Knowing why your allergies get worse at night can help you come up with ways to manage them better and make your nights more comfortable.

Kids with seasonal allergies might have different symptoms, which often makes people wonder if they’ll grow out of them. Research shows that many children do end up growing out of their allergies as they get older, but it is not a sure thing for everyone. It is important to understand what factors play a role in whether allergies stick around and what things can trigger allergic reactions to seasonal stuff.

Genetics are a big deal when it comes to figuring out if kids will outgrow summer allergies. Studies have found that if both parents have allergies, there’s a higher chance that their child will have them too. How bad the allergy symptoms are can also make a difference in whether kids eventually outgrow them; those with milder symptoms usually have a better shot.

Some kids might get some relief from their allergies or even completely grow out of them, while others could keep dealing with bad symptoms well into adulthood. Knowing how each person’s immune system works and what things trigger allergies can help manage and ease the impact of seasonal allergies on kids as they get older.

Seasonal allergies can be tough to deal with, especially for kids and adults. How bad your symptoms are and whether you’ve got a family history of allergies can make a big difference in how well you’ll be able to beat those sneezy, itchy reactions to stuff like pollen.

Having a good plan to manage your seasonal allergies is key to feeling better and living life to the fullest.

Founders Family Medicine provides skilled allergy care for patients of all ages. Our experienced healthcare team offers compassionate care to address your concerns. We believe family medicine helps develop a relationship with your healthcare provider to manage issues, like seasonal allergies, more closely.

Urgent care is a better option than visiting the emergency room where you face long wait times and more expensive care. Instead, visit your local urgent care for a personal approach and quality care.

Contact us to schedule an appointment at our clinic or a telehealth visit.

Seasonal allergies caused by pollen, grass, or animal dander can result in uncomfortable nasal stuffiness. Natural approaches often aim to ease symptoms without the side effects that come with medications.

One popular natural remedy is saline water irrigation. This involves using a saline solution to rinse the nasal passages and remove irritants like pollen or dust that may be causing allergic reactions. Studies have indicated that saline irrigation can help reduce nasal congestion and enhance the quality of life for individuals with seasonal allergies.

Another well-liked natural remedy is butterbur extract. Derived from the Petasites hybridus plant, butterbur has been suggested to have anti-inflammatory properties that could help alleviate symptoms of allergic rhinitis. Research has shown that butterbur extract may be effective in decreasing nasal symptoms such as sneezing and itching.

Moreover, consuming local honey is often recommended as a natural way to build tolerance to local pollens by regularly exposing oneself to small amounts. While there is limited scientific evidence supporting this claim, some individuals have reported finding relief from their allergy symptoms after adding local honey to their diet.

To tell the difference between a cold and allergies, it is important to pay attention to how long your symptoms last and whether you have a fever.

One way to reduce your exposure to triggers is by regularly cleaning and dusting indoor surfaces. Dust mites, pet dander, mold spores, and pollen can build up on surfaces, making seasonal allergies worse. Using a vacuum with a HEPA filter can also help catch allergens. Covering pillows and mattresses with allergen-proof covers can stop dust mites from gathering.

Alternative treatments include acupuncture or herbal supplements as extra options. Acupuncture has shown some benefits in reducing allergy symptoms. Certain herbs may have anti-inflammatory properties.

These strategies, along with the medical treatments recommended by healthcare providers, can effectively help manage seasonal allergies.