Believe or not, allergy season is upon us once more. While we are enjoying the warmer temperatures and blooming trees and flowers, chances are that your allergy symptoms are making a comeback in a big way.

Common allergens like tree, grass and weed pollen are responsible for many people’s symptoms. While seasonal allergies are not life-threatening, they can certainly make you feel miserable!

Our AFC Urgent Care Athens, TN team is here to explain all things related to seasonal allergies below, so check it out.

Where Do Allergies Come From?

Seasonal allergies occur when your body triggers an immune response to something that isn’t a pathogen, like viruses or bacteria. Unlike severe food allergies, most seasonal allergies aren’t harmful to people, but your immune system can recognize the substance as an intruder anyway and cause your defense symptoms to appear.

In response to this foreign substance, your body starts to produce “histamine,” which is a hormone that helps eliminate it from your body. That’s why your nose will run and your eyes will get watery or really itchy. Your body is working hard to clear the allergen from itself!

Common Seasonal Allergy Symptoms

• Runny nose
• Itchy, watery or red eyes
• Sneezing
• Headache

Can Urgent Care Treat My Allergies?

The bad news is that there is not a cure for seasonal allergies. But while that’s the unfortunate truth, they are usually handled easily at home with some symptom management strategies. It is also helpful to avoid going outdoors on high pollen count days!

If you are looking for ways to help treat your allergy symptoms, come see us. We can do a full evaluation of your symptoms and determine what kind of OTC medication would be best. Some medications are a combination treatment designed to tackle multiple symptoms, so we can come up with the most comprehensive treatment plan possible! Remember, if you are experiencing a severe allergic reaction, seek emergency medical treatment right away.

Serious Allergic Reaction Symptoms

• Rash or hives
• Swelling of tongue, lips or throat
• Trouble breathing
• Dizziness or fainting

Seasonal allergies can be frustrating! Let us help you feel better at AFC Urgent Care Athens, TN.