Spring into Action: 3 Tips for Managing Seasonal Allergies

Spring has arrived, and the flowers are blooming, the grass is growing, and the weather is getting warmer. But for many people, the beauty of spring can be accompanied by the frustration of miserable seasonal allergies.

Seasonal allergies can be extremely unpleasant, but with the help of primary care physician Thomas Nguyen, MD, and the team at Nguyen Medical Group in Boynton Beach, Florida, you can thrive throughout the spring. Follow these 3 tips to successfully manage your seasonal allergies.

What are seasonal allergies? 

Seasonal allergies are triggered by allergens in the natural environment at certain times of the year. You might have also heard them called hay fever.

The spring is a familiar time for seasonal allergies. Common allergens are highly prevalent at this time of year, including pollen, mold, and dust mites.

Allergies cause your immune system to react to harmless substances. Typical symptoms of spring allergies include:

• Watery eyes
• Sneezing 
• Congestion 
• Runny nose
• Wheezing 
• Itchy eyes
• Scratchy throat

Seasonal allergy symptoms aren’t usually dangerous, but they can be unpleasant and last for months on end.

How to manage allergy symptoms

Fortunately, there are steps you can take to reduce or eliminate the impact of seasonal allergies. These are 3 actions our team recommends.

1. Lower your exposure to spring allergies

Changing your habits during allergy season goes a long way toward feeling better. Whenever you can, stay indoors. The safest time to go outside is right after it stops raining, while dry, windy days tend to attract higher pollen levels.

Help keep your indoor environments as pollen-free as possible. Steps you can take include keeping your doors and windows closed, using air filters and a good ventilation system, changing your clothes after coming indoors, and drying your clothes indoors.

Whenever you can, avoid tasks like mowing the lawn that involve high pollen levels. If you need to be in these environments, wear a face mask.

By identifying your unique allergy triggers through trial and error, you can develop coping mechanisms to help you avoid symptoms.

2. Irrigate your nose

When your nose is constantly running and stuffy from seasonal allergies, you can get relief from a saline nasal rinse. These can be bought over the counter at your local drugstore.

A saline rinse involves gently using a device to pour the solution into your upper nostril, where it drains out through your lower nostril. Follow the instructions on the kit, and be sure to use bottled water if the solution needs to be mixed with water.

Ensure you clean and dry the device you use after every use to have safe, effective allergy relief.

3. Take allergy medication

Medications offer targeted relief against seasonal allergies. Many effective non-drowsy antihistamines and nasal sprays can be bought over the counter.

If these medications don’t work, our team can prescribe something stronger. We also offer allergy shots and immunotherapy that help reduce your body’s immune response to the allergy.

If seasonal allergies are bothering you, we offer in-office and telehealth visits to address problems like allergy testing and management. Contact us for prompt help and relief from allergies.