Allergies can cause congestion, itchy eyes, sneezing, and more — but they don’t have to control your life! As primary care providers, we can help you get a clear diagnosis and find relief through effective treatment and prevention strategies.
As spring arrives, we see more patients struggling with allergy symptoms. It’s a good opportunity to address common questions, because understanding allergies can help you feel better and prevent small problems from turning into bigger ones.
Do I have allergies, or am I sick?
Allergies can look like a cold or an infection, causing sneezing, a runny nose, a sore throat, and itchy or watery eyes.
There are key differences to watch for. Colds and other viruses typically also cause fever, aches, and fatigue. Sinus or ear infections also cause fever, along with thick green mucus, and pain in the affected area.
Timing matters, too. Viral infections can occur at any time and usually get better in about a week. Allergy symptoms often occur at the same time every year and last for weeks or months without improvement.
How do I keep allergies from turning into an infection?
We’ve all been there. Spring arrives, you start sniffling, and soon you have a sinus or ear infection. If allergies aren’t treated, they can cause blocked sinuses, which creates a breeding ground for infection.
Keep your nasal passages clear by rinsing with a saline spray or neti pot to wash out allergens and mucus. Over-the-counter medications can help reduce inflammation.
Staying hydrated and avoiding irritants also helps stop allergies from triggering an infection.
How do I know what’s causing my allergies?
The first step in controlling allergies is knowing their cause. If you’re having trouble identifying your triggers, ask your primary care provider about allergy testing.
The most common test is a skin prick test, where tiny amounts of allergens are placed on the skin to see if a reaction occurs. We can also run blood tests to measure allergy-related antibodies.
These tests are quick, safe, and accurate, and they help us provide more targeted treatment and avoidance strategies.
What are my treatment options?
Treatment depends on how severe your symptoms are and how much they affect your daily life.
For most patients, over-the-counter antihistamines and nasal steroid sprays provide relief. As a primary care provider, I help patients find the best option for them.
If your symptoms are more severe or don’t go away with OTC products, you can try prescription medications and allergy shots. Allergy shots are a form of immunotherapy that helps your body’s immune system become less sensitive to allergy triggers.
Is there anything else I can do?
Knowing your triggers is key so you can avoid them as much as possible.
If you’re sensitive to pollen, keep windows closed and shower after going outside. For dust mite allergies, wash bedding weekly in hot water and use hypoallergenic covers for your mattress and pillows. Fix leaks and use dehumidifiers to help with mold allergies.
If you have pet allergies, you don’t have to do without your four-legged friends! You can buy air filters or keep pets out of certain rooms, like bedrooms, to reduce exposure.
Dr. Alberto Llaneza Santacruz is a primary care provider at Regional One Health’s Harbor of Health. Learn more at Regionalonehealth.org/primary-care, and for appointments, call 901.515-4200.
By Dr. Alberto Llaneza Santacruz
