Spring is back, and so are allergies for millions of people in America. The flowers and trees blooming signifies a time of new life, but it is also a time that many choose to stay indoors more often than they would like to quell those pesky symptoms.

Is it possible to get rid of seasonal allergies, though? Unfortunately, it’s not likely, and our AFC Urgent Care Cleveland team further explains below.

What Causes Seasonal Allergies in the First Place?

When the immune system encounters something in the air that it perceives as a threat, seasonal allergies develop. It then creates antibodies to defend your body, resulting in inflammation or congestion in the nose, throat and chest.

Seasonal allergies are most commonly caused by pollen. Because it’s light and dry, it may travel large distances and induce allergy symptoms for a long time. A high pollen count implies you’re more likely to experience worse allergy symptoms, so if pollen is causing the symptoms described below, try to spend more time indoors.

Common Seasonal Allergy Symptoms

• Itchy, watery or red eyes
• Circles under eyes
• Itchy mouth, nose or throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Drainage from the nose down the back of the throat (postnasal drip)
• Temporary loss of smell
• Headache
• Sneezing

What Can I Do to Reduce My Allergy Symptoms?

Although seasonal allergies can’t be cured, there are many things you can do to reduce your symptoms and make spring a much more bearable season. One of the best things you can do is to limit your exposure to triggers.

This is obviously much easier said than done, but if you know what triggers your allergies—usually things like tree pollen and ragweed—spending more time indoors and showering after being outside to remove pollen or other allergens from the surface of your skin are some of the most helpful tactics. We’ve listed a few other ways you can reduce your symptoms below.

Ways to Reduce Allergy Symptoms

• Take an over-the-counter antihistamine or decongestant. Medicines such as Claritin and Zyrtec will lead to less inflammation and irritation, which can make your daily life much more bearable during allergy season.
• If you are dealing with lots of congestion, consider rinsing your sinuses with saline solution. This will flush out mucus and allergens from your nose.
• Keep indoor air clean. You can do this by using a dehumidifier and vacuuming regularly. This will reduce the amount of harmful allergens that make their way inside the home.

We’re here for you seven days a week! Don’t hesitate to visit our AFC Urgent Care Cleveland team if you are ready to feel better.