Many of us are in the thick of allergy season at the moment. Sneezing and sniffling and blowing our noses are common annoyances right now, and all of these things can really make daily tasks a lot more unpleasant.

So, is there a way to prevent these things from happening? Our AFC Urgent Care Bronx Webster Ave. team shares some helpful info below, so keep reading!

What Is the Most Common Cause of Spring Allergies?

It’s usually pollen. When your immune system encounters something in the air (pollen) that it considers a threat, it produces histamines to defend your body, resulting in nasal, throat and chest irritation or congestion.

We’ve listed the most common allergy symptoms below.

Common Seasonal Allergy Symptoms

• Itchy, watery or red eyes
• Circles under eyes
• Itchy mouth, nose or throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Drainage from the nose down the back of the throat (postnasal drip)
• Temporary loss of smell
• Headache
• Sneezing

Can I Prevent Seasonal Allergies?

It might be doable, but it’s not likely—especially if allergies affect you every year around the same time. However, one prevention tactic that can be quite effective is to find an OTC antihistamine or nose spray that works to reduce your symptoms and start taking it at least two weeks before your allergies usually kick in. Then, continue taking it during the course of your allergy season.

Even if you can’t totally prevent your seasonal allergy symptoms from coming on, we’ve listed a few ways you can reduce their severity below.

Ways to Reduce Allergy Symptoms

• Keep indoor air clean. You can do this by using a dehumidifier and vacuuming regularly. This will reduce the amount of harmful allergens that make their way inside the home.
• After spending time outside, remove your clothes and shower to rinse pollen from your skin and hair.
• If you are dealing with lots of congestion, consider rinsing your sinuses with saline solution. This will flush out mucus and allergens from your nose.

Our AFC team is here for you seven days a week, and you don’t need to make an appointment to visit us! Stop by today.