Spring in Charlotte is beautiful: dogwoods and cherry trees in full bloom, tulips peaking through flower beds, warm sunshine and green grass beginning to sprout. As the beauty of spring begins to fill the air, allergies begin to set in motion.Springtime allergy symptomsCommon symptoms of allergies include sneezing, nasal stuffiness, runny nose, itchy and watery eyes, and coughing. The most common spring allergens are mold, tree pollens and grass pollens. Mold is really a year-round allergy, but can cause problems in the spring if rainy conditions are followed by extreme warm weather. As the weather continues to get warmer, grass pollens may also flare up spring allergies. Taking these easy steps will help you during this season: Be aware of the common spring allergens in your area and be sure to check local pollen counts. If the pollen count is high, try to avoid long periods of time outside. Keep windows and doors closed to prevent pollen from coming inside the house. Replace your air filters every 30-90 days. Wash sheets weekly in hot water.Vacuum twice a week. Springtime allergy treatments Over-the-counter medications can be effective in treating spring allergies. If you do not have relief from over-the-counter medications it may be time to consult an allergy doctor. The allergy specialists at Charlotte Eye Ear Nose & Throat Associates, P.A. can perform skin allergy testing as well as blood sample allergy testing for all inhalant allergens, including pollens, dust, molds and pet dander. With the information from these tests, your doctor can advise you on how to reduce exposure to allergens. The results also aid in adjusting medical treatment. In addition to testing for allergies, some patients will benefit from allergy shots to better control allergy symptoms when medicines and avoidance are not enough. “Allergy care has progressed tremendously in the last 10 years and new therapies are constantly being developed. It is an exciting time to take care of patients who suffer from the symptoms of allergies,” says CEENTA Dr. Christopher Tebbit. This blog is for informational purposes only. For specific medical questions, please consult your physician. If you suffer from spring allergies and are not getting the relief you need, call Charlotte Eye Ear Nose & Throat Associates, P.A. at 704-295-3000 today to schedule an appointment with one of our physicians.
