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Springtime brings warmer weather, blooming trees, and flowering plants.  Unfortunately, it is often prime season for battling allergic rhinitis or “hay fever”. Walk-In Clinic provider Aprill Graham, NP-C, gives insight on ways to keep symptoms at bay. 

Springtime brings warmer weather, blooming trees, and flowering plants.  Unfortunately, it is often prime season for battling allergic rhinitis or “hay fever”.  Allergy symptoms may be seasonal or year round.  Common allergy symptoms include runny nose, sneezing, nasal itching and stuffiness; itchy red eyes, a gritty feeling in the eyes, sore throat, hoarse voice; and popping and itching of the ears. Common seasonal allergy triggers include pollens from trees, grass, and weeds and also some types of molds and fungi.  Symptoms range from mild to severe, so it is important to discuss your symptoms with your healthcare provider to determine the best course of treatment. 

One thing you can do to help is avoid the allergen.  Minimizing exposure to what causes your symptoms can be very helpful in managing your symptoms.  Avoid the outdoors on dry, windy days and when pollen counts are high. Wear a mask while working outside or if you are doing yard work that tends to stir up allergens.  If you have been outdoors, take a shower to rinse the pollen from your skin and hair. Be sure to change clothes as well and avoid hanging laundry outside to dry. 

In addition to avoiding or limiting your exposure to the allergens or triggers, treatment options may include medications and other therapies.  Your healthcare provider may recommend include oral antihistamines, decongestants, or in some cases more advanced treatments like allergen immunotherapy.  Claritin, Allegra, or Zyrtec are common over the counter (OTC) antihistamines many people find helpful in managing allergy symptoms.  Steroid nose sprays may reduce swelling in the nose, which can make for more comfortable and easier breathing.  Nasal irrigation and saline sprays help manage drainage that goes down the back of the throat as well as sneezing, nasal congestion and dryness. 

Finally, make sure to always discuss home therapies like these with your provider as it is important to always check before starting any new medication, even OTC medications, to ensure they are safe to use – especially if you are taking any other medications, have high blood pressure, heart problems, enlarged prostate, or are pregnant or breastfeeding. 

There are many options for managing seasonal allergies, talk to your healthcare provider to find out which therapies may work best for you.

Aprill Graham, NP-C, is a provider at the GRH Walk-In Clinic, located at 506 4^th Street, La Grande, specializing in primary and preventive care.