How to Manage Seasonal Allergies

It’s that time of year in Colorado. As the snow melts and the flowers and trees start to bloom, so do seasonal allergies. Often, patients who suffer from seasonal allergies struggle with symptoms in the early spring months. At Founders Family Medicine, we offer skilled allergy care for patients of all ages.

Seasonal allergies are a common type of allergic reaction to irritants in the environment. They occur when your immune system overreacts to something it perceives as an invader or threat. The most common allergens include pollen, mold spores, dust mites, pet dander, and more.

During the spring months, pollen often triggers seasonal allergies. Pollen is comprised of tiny grains called pollen particles. These particles contain proteins that cause inflammation and swelling in the airways. When you breathe in these particles, they stick to the mucous membranes lining your nasal passages and throat, causing irritation and inflammation. Your body then produces antibodies that attack the offending pollen proteins.

Patients often have sensitivity to multiple allergens, making it difficult to know precisely which elements are causing the issue without allergy testing.

If you suffer from seasonal allergies, then you probably know what to expect during the spring months. However, if you are new to Colorado or your child is experiencing allergies for the first time, the symptoms can feel like a cold or other illness.

The most common signs and symptoms of seasonal allergies include:

• Runny nose
• Sneezing
• Watery eyes
• Cough
• Sinus congestion
• Headache
• Irritated skin
• Wheezing

At Founders Family Medicine, we offer diagnoses for seasonal allergies. Our expert medical team can examine you and offer testing to determine the cause of your symptoms.

There are several things you can do to help reduce allergy symptoms.

• Try to avoid indoor environments with things that trigger your allergies, like pets
• Wear a mask outdoors, especially when doing yard work
• Wash hands frequently to remove irritants
• Keep windows closed during peak pollen times
• Use an air purifier to remove irritants from the indoor air
• Change the HVAC air filter more frequently
• Take over-the-counter allergy medication after talking with your healthcare provider
• Schedule allergy testing to determine the specific cause of your symptoms

With the right plan and actions, you can reduce allergy symptoms and improve your quality of life. Some patients find improvements with allergy shots taken over a few years. Other patients use allergy medicine seasonally to combat the symptoms. Still, others may need to make lifestyle changes to manage their allergies.

If you’d like to learn more about managing seasonal allergies, contact Founders Family Medicine.

Allergies disrupt normal activities and impact your quality of life. However, you can find support to reduce symptoms and bring relief. Founders Family Medicine serves patients at our Castle Rock Health Clinic. We also offer telehealth appointments for your convenience.

Our highly-trained and expert team offers personalized and compassionate service. As a family clinic, we serve patients of all ages. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.