Spring in Houston, Texas, brings warm weather, budding flowers and fresh breezes. However, for allergy sufferers, it also brings pollen, mold and other allergy triggers. People with asthma may find their symptoms are aggravated by seasonal allergens. Severe symptoms brought on by allergies, such as wheezing or the inability to breathe, may require sufferers to seek Sugar Land emergency care. If you have seasonal allergies, there are ways to prepare for the onslaught of allergens associated with spring.
Know What Triggers Your Allergies
Although tree pollen is thought to be the most common cause of spring allergies, there are many other triggers. Winds blow in dust, mold spores and pollen from miles around. Rain creates moist soil that harbors mold. Inside your home, moist, warm environments allow pests to thrive. Dust mite and cockroach droppings are asthma triggers and allergens.
To find out what triggers your allergies, contact an allergist for testing and management of symptoms. However, if you have trouble breathing, experience rapid swelling or break into a rash, get immediate treatment at a Sugar Land emergency care clinic. St. Michael’s is a Sugar Land 24 hour emergency clinic that offers around the clock emergency services ranging from allergic reactions to heart attacks.
Reduce Exposure to Allergens
To reduce your exposure to allergens, change your clothes and shower after you come in from outdoors. Pollen is easily transferred to indoor surfaces and materials, including bedding and furniture. Showering reduces the amount of pollen and mold spores that cling to clothing, hair and skin.
During the height of allergy season, close windows and run the air conditioner to keep allergens out. Clean the air filter on your air conditioner frequently. Some people use indoor air filtration systems to keep air clean. Vacuum regularly to remove allergens from furnishings and floors. Wash bedding in the hottest water possible to eliminate dust mites and their droppings.
Start Treatment Early
If you know you have allergies to pollen and mold, monitor pollen counts in your area, and start medicines before your symptoms begin. Be sure to use medicines in consultation with your doctor at a Sugar Land emergency care clinic, and communicate immediately about any problems.
One of the dangers of waiting too long to start medicines is having a severe reaction to an allergen. Wheezing, shortness of breath, hives, swollen lips or trouble swallowing may indicate a serious medical condition called anaphylaxis. Reaction to medicines can also cause these symptoms. Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening condition that must be diagnosed and treated by a medical professional.
If you live in the Houston area and experience any of these serious allergic reactions, go to a Sugar Land emergency clinic immediately. St. Michael’s Emergency Rooms is staffed 24 hours a day by trained professionals. Patients are seen within five minutes of arrival. For more information about St. Michael’s Emergency Rooms, call 281.980.4357.
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