How to Protect Yourself During Spring Allergy Season

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• If youre coughing and sneezing with the start of
  spring, you may want to see an allergist or your
  primary care doctor so they can administer an
  allergy skin test. This is the fastest and most
  accurate way to find out whats bugging you, be
  it grass, pollen, or other common irritants like
  dust. During the test, the skin is pricked
  slightly to allow an allergen to enter the outer
  layer of epidermis. After about 15 to 20 minutes,
  the physician will check for a reaction (like
  hives or redness) to determine what youre
  allergic to.

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• If you dont work out regularly, spring may be
  the time to start. Increasing adrenaline levels
  and getting your blood pumping can help release
  and reduce allergy symptoms, especially nasal
  congestion. Though pollen outside can affect when
  and where youre able to workout, try exercising
  indoors if you need immediate relief.

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• Pollen count changes frequently, so check online
  for up-to-date information. If you think you may
  be allergic to pollen, avoid going outdoors when
  the count is high.

• Dry and windy days are peak allergy days. Try
  spending time outside when the weather is cooler
  or after rainy weather.
• Pollen counts are highest in the morning, so plan
  to head outdoors later in the day if you can.
• If the pollen count is extremely high but you
  must go outside, use a mask and protective
  glasses to diminish any allergic reactions.

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• Dust can trigger allergies too, so be sure to
  keep your home and work surroundings clean.
• Replace air conditioner filters to keep dust and
  outdoor particles at bay.
• Purchase an air purifier for your home to help
  clean and circulate the air.
• Vacuum twice a week to ensure allergens like dust
  or mold are released from carpet and other home
  surfaces.

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• Allergy shots, also known as immunotherapy, are
  preventative treatment for allergens like pollen,
  grass, or dust mites. Immunotherapy gives a
  patient gradually increasing doses of a
  substance, or allergen, allowing the immune
  system to become less sensitive to it. This
  causes the production of a blocking antibody
  which reduces the symptoms of the allergy when
  the substance is encountered in the future.
• Prior to immunotherapy treatment, the physician
  identifies all allergy symptoms using skin or
  blood allergy tests. Immunotherapy is typically
  recommended only if a person is selectively
  sensitive to several allergens.

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• The best way to prevent nasal inflammation or a
  sinus infection is to keep your nasal passages as
  clear as possible. This can be done using a
  saline nose rinse or a neti pot a small
  container with a spout designed for nasal
  rinsing. If you have chronic inflammation, your
  doctor may prescribe a steroid nasal spray.

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• On windy days with high pollen count, keep the
  windows shut. This will help reduce the number of
  outdoor allergens from entering the home. If the
  weather is warm, keep the air conditioner set on
  recirculate. This will also limit humidity, which
  can help control dust mites a common indoor
  allergen.

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• When allergies strike, youll want to be
  prepared. Many medications can be found at your
  local drugstore that help relieve sneezing, runny
  nose, and other symptoms that commonly afflict
  allergy sufferers in springtime
• Antihistamines help relieve sneezing, itching,
  runny nose, and watery eyes. Examples include
  Claritin, Zyrtec, Allegra, and Benadryl.
• Decongestants provide temporary relief from
  nasal congestion. Examples include Sudafed, or
  nasal sprays like Afrin.
• Combination medications helpful for allergies by
  combining an antihistamine with a decongestant.
  An example is Claritin-D.

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• Xpress Urgent Care is located at Newport and 17th
  Street in Costa Mesa, California. Offering
  walk-in medical treatment for a wide variety of
  injuries and illnesses, they are equipped to
  handle any urgent care need immediately. Skip
  long lines and inflated hospital fees and choose
  Xpress Urgent Care for infections, allergies,
  skin conditions, and more.
• To learn more, visit http//www.xurgentcare.com/
  or call 949-548-8400.