Tales from the Walk-In Clinic: Managing Allergies

Tales from the Walk-In Clinic: Managing Allergies

If you have allergies, then you’re all too familiar with a runny nose, the itchy and watering eyes, the sneezing, the coughing, the general drowsiness–a repertoire of symptoms that springtime seems to bring out just for you. Managing allergies can be complicated, simply because the number and type of triggers are different for each person and therefore difficult to pin down. However, if you’re looking for a shield against your allergies, our  opens in a new windowexperts from the Walk-In Clinic, have a little advice.

Fast Facts on Allergies

The truth about allergies is that they don’t fit into the rather narrow definitions that we too often place upon them. Allergies begin in mid-February–which isn’t considered “springtime” in most climates–and last until early summer or even all the way through until fall. Similarly, allergies aren’t just caused by pollen, as many people believe; rather, allergies are a complex reaction to a variety of environmental stimuli and circumstances, like mold growing in high humidity, pollen patterns altered by rainfall, and different levels of wind moving (or perhaps not moving) allergens. Allergies are more complex than we give them credit for.

Managing Allergies

Our experts at the Walk-In Clinic know just how to manage allergies. Here’s a quick look!

• Windows and doors. It seems impossible to completely avoid allergy triggers when they are such a huge part of the environment. However, keeping the windows and doors shut in your home and car can help manage your reactions and minimize the effects of your allergies.
• Shower. We probably don’t need to tell you to shower regularly, but taking a quick shower and changing your clothes after working, playing, or simply walking outside can make a big difference in your allergy suffering. You’ll wash off pollen and other allergies that would have stayed on your hair, skin, and clothing until your next shower.
• Learn the rhythm. Allergens travel in the environment in a set, if difficult to understand and predict, rhythm. For example, pollen counts are highest during midday and early afternoon, but allergens are also reactive to the wind, rain, and even weather patterns from a previous season (mild winter weather makes spring allergies worse). Learn the rhythm and you’ll be that much closer to avoiding your triggers.

Interested in more tips on allergy control? Looking for a Walk-In Clinic? opens in a new windowContact us today!