You may have seasonal allergies if you’ve been rubbing your eyes, sneezing, and going through entire tissue boxes these last few weeks. Understanding what triggers your allergies and how allergic reactions affect your body is crucial to staying healthy.
To help you stay safe and healthy, remember these safety tips and know that at RapidCare ER, we’re here to take care of you and your loved ones in the event of an emergency. All three locations in La Porte, Katy, and Missouri City/Sugar Land are open 24/7 every day of the year. So you can count on us to help when you need it most.
What Are Seasonal Allergies?
An allergic reaction ensues when your body’s immune system identifies a substance as potentially harmful. These invaders are known as allergens, and your immune system produces antibodies to fight them. However, the immune system’s reaction can also create bothersome symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, scratchy throat, hives, or rashes.
Severe allergic reactions, however, lead to more serious symptoms, including:
- breathing problems,
- asthma attacks,
- low blood pressure
Sometimes, allergic reactions are so severe that they can turn deadly without proper emergency care.
How Common Are Spring Allergies?
According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, 81 million Americans experience seasonal allergies.
Seasonal allergic rhinitis, sometimes called hay fever, is an allergic reaction to pollen from trees, weeds, and grasses. In addition to pollen, mold, dust, and pet dander are also common triggers for spring allergies.
Symptoms of Spring Allergies
The most common symptoms of seasonal allergies include:
- Runny nose – clear watery nasal drip
- Itchy nose and eyes
- Puffy eyes
- Sneezing
- Congestion – stuffy nose
- Phlegm in the throat
- Postnasal drip
- Sinus pressure
- Sore throat
Spring Allergy Complications
Sensitivity to environmental allergens like pollen can change throughout our lives. When we experience an increase in sensitivity, it can lead to more severe symptoms and complications which may require medical attention.
Asthma Attacks
Seasonal allergies and increased use of fertilizers and insecticides during spring can trigger asthma attacks.
A rescue inhaler can help manage mild asthma attacks. However, severe asthma attacks may require emergency medical attention.
Sinus Infections
During an allergic attack, your sinuses swell and become inflamed. Prolonged inflammation may lead to sinus infections, which can become severe when not treated properly.
Anaphylaxis
Luckily most people with allergies develop mild to moderate symptoms. However, sometimes allergens can cause our immune system to overreact, releasing too many chemicals, which cause a life-threatening allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis.
Anaphylaxis Symptoms
When anaphylaxis occurs, symptoms develop suddenly and progress quickly, making this condition a time-sensitive emergency.
Early symptoms can be mild, such as developing a skin rash, but they can quickly become more severe, such as:
- Hives or swelling
- Trouble breathing
- Tightness in the throat or chest
- Hoarse voice
- Dizziness
- Fainting
- Low blood pressure
- Rapid heartbeat
- Cardiac arrest
When to Go to the ER
Although bothersome, most spring allergy symptoms are mild and easily controlled with over-the-counter antihistamines.
However, emergency medical attention is needed when severe symptoms and complications arise. Call 911 if you think someone is having anaphylaxis.
Visit our nearest ER if you or someone develops any of the following symptoms:
- Rash or hives anywhere on the body
- Trouble breathing
- Severe asthma
- Swelling of mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or speaking
- Sudden weakness – may be a sign of low blood pressure
- Loss of consciousness
RapidCare ER centers are your best choice when a medical emergency arises. Our state-of-the-art facilities, licensed ER physicians, and nurses are available 24/7 to treat allergy-related emergencies.