Springtime has arrived in full force and with it, seasonal allergies. Seasonal allergies are allergy symptoms that occur at a certain time of year. Spring, summer, and fall are the most common times when people experience seasonal allergy symptoms due to the different allergens that become prominent during those times. Tree pollen is at its highest here in Lubbock in the springtime, meaning itchy eyes, nasal congestion, and sneezing might be your new norm. Late spring and early summer typically bring in grass pollen while late summer and early fall bring pollen from weeds. Knowing the differences in what's blooming and affecting you at different times of the year can help you understand and navigate your symptoms.
Everyone experiences allergy symptoms differently. Some of the most common seasonal allergy symptoms include:
- Sneezing
- Coughing/wheezing
- Shortness of breath
- Itchy, runny nose
- Itchy, watery eyes
- Nasal congestion
- Sore, scratchy throat
- Fatigue
- Skin reactions (red, rashy, cracked, hives, itching)
To help combat those pesky allergies and get you through this Spring season, we've put together this 3-step allergy guide.
- Invest in an air purifier. Air purifiers are a great resource to improve air quality and circulate clean air in your home. They're very effective in pulling in airborne pollutants and allergens through the fan and filter system before expelling cleaner air back into your spaces. Pro tip: Find a purifier with a HEPA filter for best results.
- See your PCP for medical intervention. Sometimes, medicine is the best option to combat your symptoms. We have several options and ways to intervene to alleviate your symptoms, and your PCP can help you decide what option may be best for you. There are over-the-counter and prescribed medication options including different antihistamines and nasal sprays. We also offer skin allergy testing with allergens specific to the Lubbock/West Texas area and immunotherapy to address your symptoms head on. Based on your allergy test results, we mix extracts specific to your allergies into personalized therapeutic injections designed to slowly train your immune system to tolerate allergens and reduce your symptoms.
- Reduce your exposure to allergens. If you notice your symptoms getting worse at certain times of the year, work to reduce your exposure. Check pollen levels in your area. If they're set to be high, take your allergy medication before your symptoms begin, close your windows and doors if possible, and stay indoors especially in the morning when pollen is typically at its highest. Try to avoid outdoor activities on dry, windy days. Consider wearing a face covering to avoid symptom onset with gardening chores like mowing and weed eating.
We hope these tips will help you get through this allergy season and ultimately reduce your symptoms. We always recommend talking to your primary care physician (PCP) about your symptoms, especially if they become overwhelming and start affecting your day-to-day life.
At Lubbock Primary Care, we're committed to helping you get healthy and stay healthy through our patient-centered approach. Whether you're here in Lubbock to attend school or you're here raising a family, we're here to serve and guide you to health. Our providers at each of our locations are accepting new patients. Give us a call to establish care and get started with one our providers.
Lubbock Primary Care Locations
South Quaker Location: 11007 Quaker Ave., Lubbock, TX | 806-701-4040
Southwest Milwaukee Location: 10709 Milwaukee Ave., Lubbock, TX | 806-207-3703
Central University Location: 5015 University Ave. Unit B1, Lubbock, TX | 806-797-4357
Midland Location: 1300 W Wall St., Midland, TX | 432-684-4488
