Have seasonal allergy symptoms?
According to the Food and Drug Administration, there are approximately 36 million Americans who battle seasonal allergy symptoms. Watery and itchy eyes, a runny nose, and nasal congestion are common seasonal allergy symptoms that can last for weeks at a time. In the case of seasonal allergies (also known as hay fever or allergic rhinitis), the body mistakenly assumes the allergen, such as pollen is bacteria, so your immune system releases a chemical called histamine. It’s the histamine that causes your symptoms and also why over-the-counter medications for seasonal allergy symptoms are called antihistamines.
Seasonal allergies symptoms are felt year-round, depending on the season. In Spring, trees, particularly birch trees, produce pollen in record quantities. Summer is the season for grass pollen; roughly 90% of hay fever sufferers are affected by them. Autumn brings ragweed season. Winter quiets the outdoor allergens, but allergies to pet dander, dust mites, and other indoor allergens usually increase. But if allergy season is year-long, how do I know if it’s allergies?
Just a Cold or Seasonal Allergy Symptoms?
| SYMPTOM | SEASONAL ALLERGY | COMMON COLD |
| Cough | Sometimes | Yes |
| Aches and Pains | No | Sometimes |
| Itchy Eyes | Yes | Rare |
| Sneezing | Sometimes | Yes |
| Stuffy Nose | Yes | Yes |
| Fever | No | Rare |
| DURATION | Up to 6 weeks (i.e. ragweed season) | 3 days to 2 weeks |
Treatment for seasonal allergy symptoms at FastMed
When seasonal allergy symptoms become impossible to live with, even with over-the-counter antihistamines, drop by your neighborhood FastMed Urgent Care walk-in clinic. Medical professionals will evaluate the severity of your symptoms and make recommendations. Nasal steroids, which can be obtained only by prescription, are the most effective treatments for allergic rhinitis. For severe allergies, your provider may recommend combination treatments, such as nasal sprays, eye drops, and steroids. For long term issues or serious allergic reactions, talk with your FastMed medical provider about whether you are a good candidate for allergy shots.
Other related questions:
Sinus Infection Symptoms | Ear Infection Symptoms | Flu Symptoms In Adults | What To Do When You Have An Earache And Sore Throat | Symptoms Of A Urinary Tract Infection
About FastMed
FastMed is a leading provider of high-quality, convenient, affordable, and compassionate healthcare in 34 counties across North Carolina. FastMed serves both urban and rural communities across the state with a wide range of care options, including preventive, telemedicine, occupational health, and primary and urgent care. FastMed is one of the few urgent care providers in the nation that has earned The Joint Commission’s coveted Gold Seal of Approval® for quality, safety, and infection control in ambulatory healthcare. For more information, visit www.fastmed.com.