While summer brings sunshine and outdoor activities, it can also trigger sneezing, itchy eyes, and nasal congestion for those sensitive to seasonal allergens. Managing these symptoms is essential, and urgent care centers offer prompt, accessible treatment to provide relief. At Affinity Urgent Care, serving La Marque, Galveston, and Alvin, Texas, we’re here to help patients effectively manage seasonal allergies and get back to enjoying their summer.
Understanding Summer Allergies
Although spring is typically associated with allergies, summer has its own airborne triggers. During the warmer months, common culprits include:
- Grass pollen – One of the most prevalent summer allergens, grass pollen peaks during the warmer months and can lead to sneezing, congestion, itchy eyes, and even asthma flare-ups.
- Weed pollen – Ragweed, sagebrush, and pigweed release pollen later in the summer, extending allergy season into the fall for some individuals.
- Mold spores – Mold is a fungal allergen that thrives in hot, humid conditions and damp areas like soil, compost piles, and grassy fields. Inhaling mold spores can cause nasal congestion, coughing, and an itchy throat, especially for those with mold sensitivity.
For many, these allergens can cause symptoms that interfere with work, recreation, and overall health.
How Do Allergies Affect the Body?
When a person with seasonal allergies encounters a trigger, their immune system releases chemicals like histamine. This immune response can lead to:
- Itchy, watery, or red eyes
- Coughing and throat irritation
- Sinus pressure or headaches
- Runny nose
- Sneezing and nasal congestion
- Fatigue due to poor sleep from congestion
In some cases, allergies can exacerbate conditions like asthma, leading to more serious breathing difficulties.
The Role of Urgent Care in Allergy Management
When allergies strike, urgent care centers offer a convenient alternative to waiting for a primary care appointment or navigating a crowded emergency room. Affinity Urgent Care is well-equipped to manage seasonal allergy flare-ups with fast, effective treatments. Here’s how we can help.
Assessment and Symptom Relief
Urgent care providers provide thorough medical assessments and can rule out more serious issues, like infections or asthma. Based on these evaluations, we can recommend interventions to alleviate symptoms.
Prescription Antihistamines
While many antihistamines are available over the counter, prescription-strength options can offer quicker, stronger relief. Urgent care providers can recommend or prescribe the right antihistamine to reduce sneezing, itching, and congestion.
Steroid Treatments
For more severe allergic reactions, corticosteroids can reduce inflammation. Steroids help shrink swollen nasal passages, ease breathing, and mitigate aggressive immune responses.
Decongestants and Supportive Care
Urgent care centers can also recommend or prescribe decongestants, nasal sprays, or eye drops, helping patients return to regular activities.
Practical Tips for Managing Summer Allergies
Aside from visiting an urgent care clinic, patients can also take preventive steps to minimize allergy flare-ups, including:
- Monitoring pollen counts – Check local forecasts and stay indoors on high-pollen days.
- Showering after outdoor activities – Wash off pollen from skin and hair to reduce evening and nighttime symptoms.
- Keeping windows closed – Use air conditioning instead of opening windows to limit indoor pollen exposure.
- Using HEPA filters – Install high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters to help trap allergens.
- Wearing sunglasses and hats – Reduce the amount of pollen that comes into contact with your eyes and face.
While many seasonal allergies can be managed with over-the-counter remedies and preventive measures, some symptoms may indicate a more serious condition. You should visit a health care provider if you experience:
- Persistent or worsening symptoms despite home treatment
- Severe nasal or chest congestion that interferes with normal breathing
- Significant sinus pressure or facial pain, which may suggest a sinus infection
- Fever, fatigue, or discolored nasal discharge, which could indicate a secondary infection
If you have any of these symptoms, seek medical care immediately.
Offering Prompt, Effective Allergy Treatment
If seasonal allergies are interfering with your comfort and daily routine, Affinity Urgent Care is here to help. We offer convenient, same-day allergy treatment in Alvin, La Marque, and Galveston, Texas. Please walk into one of our clinics or reach out to learn more about our services.
