Urgent Care Tips for Battling Allergies

As the seasons change, many of us start to feel the effects of allergies. From pollen and dust to pet dander and mold, allergens are everywhere and make life miserable for many. If your allergies cause sneezing, itchy eyes or congestion, it can make daily activities more challenging. Luckily, there are steps you can take to manage your allergies effectively, and Coastal Urgent Care is here to help.

1. Know the Common Allergens

Before you can combat your allergies, it’s important to identify the triggers. Common allergens include:

• Pollen is one of the most common allergy triggers. Trees, grasses and weeds release pollen from early spring through late summer that can cause symptoms such as sneezing, coughing and watery eyes.
• Dust mites. Microscopic dust mites live in our household dust, especially in bedrooms and carpets, and can trigger allergic reactions such as fatigue, headache, nasal congestion, and sore throat.
• Pet dander. Cats, dogs and other pets shed tiny flakes of skin called dander that can trigger allergies. This is often a year-round issue for pet owners and can cause sneezing, coughing, itchy eyes and skin, wheezing or hives.
• Mold. Mold spores thrive in damp environments, under houses, outdoor spaces, bathrooms and kitchens. When inhaled, they can cause allergic reactions that look similar to other allergies and may also include joint pain.

Being aware of the allergens in your environment will help you avoid exposure when possible and take proactive steps to minimize your symptoms.

2. Keep Your Home Allergy-Free

A clean home is key to controlling allergy symptoms. Here are a few tips for reducing allergens in your living space from our urgent care experts:

• Use HEPA filters. High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters can trap pollen, pet dander and dust mites that regular filters can’t. Use them in air purifiers and vacuum cleaners to reduce airborne allergens.
• Wash bedding regularly. Dust mites thrive in bedding, so wash your sheets, pillowcases and blankets weekly in hot water to kill them.
• Control indoor humidity. Mold and dust mites thrive in damp environments. Use dehumidifiers to keep indoor humidity below 50% and regularly check for mold.
• Keep windows closed. It’s best to keep windows closed so outdoor allergens can’t get in, especially at night when pollen levels are higher.

By taking these steps, you can create a more allergy-friendly environment that may help reduce your symptoms.

3. Over-the-Counter Medications

Many allergy sufferers find relief with over-the-counter (OTC) medications. Antihistamines, decongestants and nasal corticosteroids are common options that help alleviate symptoms. Coastal Urgent Care recommends choosing the right medication for your specific symptoms:

• Antihistamines. Oral antihistamines help block the effects of histamine, a chemical released during an allergic reaction. They can help reduce sneezing, itching and runny noses.
• Decongestants. Reduce swelling in the nasal passages by helping clear up congestion.
• Nasal sprays. Steroid nasal sprays can reduce inflammation in the nasal passages, and are the most effective treatment for nasal symptoms like congestion, nasal drip and sinus pressure and congestion.

Like many medications, not all drugs are effective for all people, and it might take time to find the one that helps most. Also, while these medications are available without a prescription, it’s always a good idea to consult a healthcare provider if you’re unsure which medication is right or if you take other medications and are concerned about interactions.

4. When to Search for “Urgent Care Near Me”

If your allergy symptoms become severe or unmanageable, it may be time to seek professional help. Coastal Urgent Care can provide immediate treatment for allergy flare-ups. You should consider visiting one of our Louisiana urgent care clinics when you experience:

• Severe symptoms. If your symptoms —persistent sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes or congestion that doesn’t improve with OTC medications —are preventing you from functioning normally, an urgent care provider can help you get them under control.
• Asthma like symptoms. Shortness of breath, wheezing or tightness in your chest may indicate an asthma flare-up triggered by allergies. Our urgent care clinics are equipped to handle these symptoms and can provide immediate relief.
• Sinus infections. Prolonged allergy symptoms can sometimes lead to sinus infections. If you develop a fever, facial pain or thick green or yellow nasal discharge, it could be a sign of a sinus infection that requires medical attention.

At Coastal Urgent Care, we offer quick, effective treatment for allergy-related issues. Whether you need medications, allergy shots or professional guidance, our team is here to help you find relief and feel better faster.

5. Stay Hydrated

While staying hydrated is always important, it’s especially critical to drink lots of fluids when you’re dealing with allergies, especially if you have congestion or sinus pressure. Water helps thin mucus, and makes it easier to clear out allergens and reduces the severity of nasal congestion. Staying hydrated also helps prevent dry throat and irritated airways.

Allergies can be a major inconvenience, but with the proper strategies, you can keep your symptoms in check. Identifying allergens, keeping your environment clean, using appropriate medications and seeking medical help when needed will help you manage your allergies more effectively.

If you’re experiencing allergy symptoms and need fast, effective treatment, visit Coastal Urgent Care today. Our team is here to help you breathe easier and get back to enjoying life without the constant discomfort of allergies.