Allergy Treatment Near Freer, TX

Springtime can be very pleasant in Freer, Texas, but maybe you can’t fully appreciate it because you are constantly sneezing and blowing your nose. Known as seasonal allergies, these symptoms can develop if your body’s immune system over-responds to common airborne allergens, such as pollen, by producing chemicals known as histamines. Essentially, histamines work like bouncers in a club, always prepared to get rid of bothersome visitors. This is your body’s way of protecting itself from harmful invaders, such as viruses and bacteria. However, this level of protection isn’t needed in the case of seasonal allergens, which are basically harmless.

Although seasonal allergies are not life-threatening or contagious, they can be a real nuisance, and unfortunately there is no cure. However, mild symptoms can often be controlled with allergy treatment, and the team at VitalMed Urgent Care is ready to help.

Today’s Allergy Remedies

Nonprescription allergy medications have come a long way since the introduction of diphenhydramine in the 1970s. After being swallowed, this antihistamine can effectively settle allergy symptoms for several hours. But its effectiveness comes at a price: It can also cause drowsiness. Today, several non-sedating antihistamines are readily available over the counter. Although they all have the same essential properties and are designed to be taken once a day, some people find that one works better for them than the others.

For allergy symptoms that are not controlled by a once-a-day antihistamine, a VitalMed provider might suggest a more direct-acting medication, such as an over-the-counter or prescription nasal spray. For the best results, a nasal spray should be used twice a day like this:

• Hold the spray bottle vertically.
• Gently press on the side of your nose to hold one nostril closed.
• Lean over the bottle, insert it into your open nostril, aim it toward the back of your head, and spray.
• Inhale the medication into your nasal passages.
• Repeat the application in your other nostril.

If your symptoms are severe, we might suggest that you see an allergy specialist or an ear, nose and throat specialist. Either can test for allergies through blood work or pin-prick skin testing, and then suggest an appropriate treatment plan after identifying your specific triggers.

You don’t have to live with seasonal allergy symptoms. Contact or visit VitalMed Urgent Care near Freer, TX, to find out how we can help you better enjoy this lovely time of year. It might turn out to be easier than you think!