http://www.xurgentcare.com/ | Springtime brings warm weather and new growth, which can lead to allergy flare-ups due to pollen or grass, or even indoor allergens like dust mites. This presentation gives tips for preventing allergies before they strike, as well as ways to deal with them.

2. If you’re coughing and sneezing
with the start of spring, you
may want to see an allergist or
your primary care doctor so
they can administer an allergy
skin test. This is the fastest and
most accurate way to find out
what’s bugging you, be it grass,
pollen, or other common
irritants like dust. During the
test, the skin is pricked slightly
to allow an allergen to enter the
outer layer of epidermis. After
about 15 to 20 minutes, the
physician will check for a
reaction (like hives or redness)
to determine what you’re
allergic to.

3. If you don’t work out regularly,
spring may be the time to start.
Increasing adrenaline levels and
getting your blood pumping can
help release and reduce allergy
symptoms, especially nasal
congestion. Though pollen
outside can affect when and
where you’re able to workout,
try exercising indoors if you need
immediate relief.

4. Pollen count changes frequently, so check online for up-to-date information. If you
think you may be allergic to pollen, avoid going outdoors when the count is high.
• Dry and windy days are peak allergy days. Try spending time
outside when the weather is cooler or after rainy weather.
• Pollen counts are highest in the morning, so plan to head
outdoors later in the day if you can.
• If the pollen count is extremely high but you must go
outside, use a mask and protective glasses to diminish
any allergic reactions.

5. Dust can trigger allergies too, so be sure to keep your home and work
surroundings clean.
• Replace air conditioner filters to keep dust and outdoor particles at bay.
• Purchase an air purifier for your home to help clean and circulate the air.
• Vacuum twice a week to ensure allergens like dust or mold are released
from carpet and other home surfaces.

6. Allergy shots, also known as
immunotherapy, are preventative
treatment for allergens like pollen,
grass, or dust mites.
Immunotherapy gives a patient
gradually increasing doses of a
substance, or allergen, allowing the
immune system to become less
sensitive to it. This causes the
production of a “blocking” antibody
which reduces the symptoms of the
allergy when the substance is
encountered in the future.
Prior to immunotherapy treatment,
the physician identifies all allergy
symptoms using skin or blood
allergy tests. Immunotherapy is
typically recommended only if a
person is selectively sensitive to
several allergens.

7. The best way to prevent nasal inflammation or a sinus infection is to keep your
nasal passages as clear as possible. This can be done using a saline nose rinse or a
neti pot – a small container with a spout designed for nasal rinsing. If you have
chronic inflammation, your doctor may prescribe a steroid nasal spray.

8. On windy days with high pollen count, keep
the windows shut. This will help reduce the
number of outdoor allergens from entering
the home. If the weather is warm, keep the
air conditioner set on recirculate. This will
also limit humidity, which can help control
dust mites – a common indoor allergen.

9. When allergies strike, you’ll want to be
prepared. Many medications can be found
at your local drugstore that help relieve
sneezing, runny nose, and other symptoms
that commonly afflict allergy sufferers in
springtime:
• Antihistamines: help relieve
sneezing, itching, runny nose, and
watery eyes. Examples include
Claritin, Zyrtec, Allegra, and
Benadryl.
• Decongestants: provide temporary
relief from nasal congestion.
Examples include Sudafed, or nasal
sprays like Afrin.
• Combination medications: helpful
for allergies by combining an
antihistamine with a decongestant.
An example is Claritin-D.

10. Xpress Urgent Care is located at Newport and 17th Street in Costa Mesa,
California. Offering walk-in medical treatment for a wide variety of injuries and
illnesses, they are equipped to handle any urgent care need immediately. Skip
long lines and inflated hospital fees and choose Xpress Urgent Care for
infections, allergies, skin conditions, and more.
To learn more, visit http://www.xurgentcare.com/ or call 949-548-8400.