While it is a beautiful, blooming season, Spring is also time for those bothersome allergies that can last until early summer. But don’t despair, seasonal allergies are manageable! Read on to learn more about the causes and symptoms of these allergies and ways to manage them.
Pollen (released by trees, weeds, and grasses) is the major cause of Spring allergies. Although it is a harmless substance, our immune system mistakenly considers it a harmful substance and attempts to fight it.
So, when you inhale this pollen, your immune system produces antibodies to combat it. These antibodies signal your immune system to release chemicals like histamine into your bloodstream, causing allergic symptoms (sneezing, runny nose, swelling, etc.) to prevent allergens (like pollen) from entering your body.
These factors can increase your risk of developing a Spring allergy:
Common Spring allergy symptoms include:
The following tips will help you prevent and manage Spring allergies:
Keep your lawn short to prevent it from producing pollen. If you are mowing your lawn yourself, make sure to wear a mask to avoid inhaling pollen. Also, take a shower and change into fresh clothes post-mowing to avoid contracting pollen (if any) that sticks to your clothes or skin.
Practice these tips to help contain allergens in your home:
Allergies can flare up when pollen counts are high, so keep checking your local TV/radio station, internet, or newspaper for pollen forecasts and current pollen levels.
To survive high pollen counts:
Rinsing your sinuses (nasal passages) with a saline solution is the best way to relieve nasal congestion while flushing out allergens and mucus from your nose. You can either buy over-the-counter nasal irrigation or make it in your home using sterile water and salt.
While staying outdoors, your body, hair, and clothes can collect pollen. Therefore, follow these tips to get rid of allergens:
Eat these food to stay immune against allergens:
Allergy shots (allergen immunotherapy) can help build resistance to allergens, thus minimizing your symptoms. Tiny amounts of the substances (pollen, mold, etc.) you are allergic to are injected to build tolerance over the course of 3-5 years.
If you are experiencing any allergy symptoms , visit one of our urgent care clinics in Irvine, Costa Mesa, or Fountain Valley, CA, today. We can help restore your health quickly by ensuring effective and personalized medical care that you need.
Dr. Bunten is originally from Huntington Beach, CA. He attended high school in Tokyo, Japan, went to college at UC San Diego and then to medical school in the Midwest. He returned home to California for residency training in Family Medicine at Long Beach Memorial Medical Center. His immediate family all reside in Huntington Beach.
Dr Fishbein has been in the practice of family medicine for over 35 years in Irvine. He received his undergraduate degree from Southern Illinois University, medical degree from Chicago Medical School, and completed his family medicine residency at Memorial Hospital of Long Beach.
Dr. Kim is the Medical Director of Family Care Centers, Chair of the Department of Family Medicine at Hoag Hospital, and a recipient of the Physicians of Excellence award from the Orange County Medical Association. He is Board Certified in Family Medicine, and has been practicing in our community for over 20 years.
Dr. Memon is a board certified Family Medicine physician and recently completed her fellowship in Geriatrics at the University of California, Irvine Medical Center. She attended Saint George’s University, School of Medicine and completed her residency at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center. Her interest in medicine started at an early age and has since evolved into a passionate career.
Dr. Gina Nguyen obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology at UC Irvine where she graduated Suma Cum Laude. She went to USC Keck School of Medicine, and returned to UC Irvine for a Family Medicine Residency. Since 2005, she worked at Kaiser Permanente, VNCOC, and Family Care Center Urgent Care.
Dr. Williams is Board Certified in Family Medicine and Sports Medicine. He is a native to Orange County and returned home after completing his medical degree at the University of New Mexico, Albuquerque. After completing his residency in family practice he successfully completed a fellowship in sports medicine.
Dr. Hye Lee is a board-certified Family Practice Physician, affiliated with the American Osteopathic Association and the American College of Osteopathic Family Practice.She obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology at UC Riverside and earned her medical degree from Des Moines University Osteopathic Medical Center. Afterward, she did her internship at Downey Regional Medical Center in California and has been a primary care physician since 2005.
Dr. Coyne is a board certified family practice physician and a California native. He completed his undergraduate degree at UCLA before earning his medical degree at George Washington University in Washington, D.C. Dr Coyne spent 6 years in the US Air Force at Andrews and Luke Air Force bases, eventually separating as a Major. He enjoys working with patients of all ages.”
Dr. Jay Friehling is a Family Practice physician who has worked in Orange County since 1981. Born in Florida, he received his undergraduate degree from Cornell University and then earned a Medical Degree at the New York Medical College.” His healthcare interests include Diabetes, Geriatric Care, and Hospice Care.
Dr. Jennifer Shoquist is board certified in Family Medicine. Her special interest is woman’s health and her practice accepts patients from 6 years old to seniors. Dr. Shoquist received her M.D. degree at The University of Texas Medical School at Houston in Houston, Texas, and did her residency with Memorial Family Practice at memorial Southwest Hospital in Houston, Texas.
Dr. Tom is a board certified family medicine physician and native Californian. He received his bachelors of science with great distinction in biochemistry and honors in chemistry. Dr. Tom was awarded a Regents Scholarship to attend medical school at UC Irvine.
Dr. Yan attended Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed her Family Practice residency at Kern Medical Center in Bakersfield, California. She joined Family Care Center in 2001. She chose Family Practice because she enjoys working with a wide variety of people and because it provides a unique opportunity for continuing care.
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