In studies of seasonal allergies by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), Hartford and New Haven have ranked in the Top 10 Most Challenging Places to Live With Allergies for 2022. These cities also land within the top 10 worst cities for allergies in the United States. Don’t suffer through the Connecticut allergy season! With the help of your professionals at Trinity Health of New England Urgent Care, you learn more about what causes your allergy attacks and how you can prevent them. Use this helpful survival guide to help you take back control over your allergies.
What Are the Prominent Allergies in Connecticut?
Some of the most common allergens in Connecticut are ragweed, outdoor mold, and pollen. These allergens can become airborne and easily make their way into the nose, eyes, and lungs. Some of the typical symptoms of these allergies include sneezing, itchy or watery eyes, asthma or other difficulty breathing, and more.
For many, allergy season can be a major annoyance. But for others, long-lasting symptoms can greatly affect your quality of life. From missing work or school to leading to further inflammation or infection, allergy season can become a very difficult time of the year. This is where preventative measures and assistance from your local urgent care can come into play!
How Can You Prevent Allergy Attacks?
While it’s hard to completely avoid allergy symptoms, there are a few steps you can take to protect yourself against pollen, dust, and mold. Follow these four simple tips to help ward off allergy attacks!
1. Take regular showers and bathe your pets, too!
As you spend time outdoors, particles of pollen, dust, or mold floating in the air can stick to your hair, skin, and clothing. The last thing you want to do is bring these allergens into your home. As soon as you get home, throw these clothes into your hamper or straight into the washing machine. Then, hop into your shower to wash away any other lingering particles.
This goes for your pets as well. If your pets roll around in the grass while out for a walk, they can bring pollen and other allergens back inside with them. Make bath time a frequent habit, especially during allergy season!
2. Use a daily antihistamine.
A simple way to make Connecticut allergy season more bearable is by using an antihistamine to fight allergic responses in the body. When your body becomes aware of foreign substances such as allergens, it releases histamines to protect the body. However, this can result in an allergic reaction, including sneezing, swollen skin, watery eyes, and more.
To counteract this response, a daily antihistamine may be best. Whether taken in the form of a pill, nasal spray, or cream, antihistamines can help relieve your allergy symptoms by blocking your histamine response. These allergy medications can be found over the counter or prescribed by a medical professional.
3. Don’t open your windows.
As tempting as it may be to open your windows during spring and summer weather, this can be a very bad decision during allergy season. Opening your windows allows allergens to enter your home and coat your indoor surfaces.
Keep your windows closed, and consider using an air filter with your air conditioner to help trap allergens. And, clean your home semi-regularly, just to be safe. On days with an especially high pollen count, enjoy some time at home to rest. Open your blinds for natural daylight, and spend time inside with a book, movie, or indoor workout.
4. Make sure that your symptoms are caused by allergies.
Unfortunately, it isn’t always easy to tell if your symptoms are caused by seasonal allergies or a different condition. A cold, flu, or infection may present several similar symptoms to an allergic response.
To stay on top of your health, visit your closest urgent care clinic for a checkup with a healthcare professional. Not only can they help you determine exactly what is causing your symptoms, but they can also help you discover the right solutions to start feeling better faster.
Survive Connecticut Allergy Season With a Helping Hand!
Trinity Health of New England is proud to serve our community with four urgent care clinics. If allergies are taking the joy out of this season, we’re ready to help you find what you need to make it through. With the right medicines and professional care, you can survive this Connecticut allergy season.
Call your closest clinic location today, or check-in online to reserve your place in line. Virtual visits are also available if you would prefer a remote appointment. Visit us today to help you find the right solutions to allergy symptoms!