Allergies
Medically reviewed by Dr Rick Singh – Chief Medical Officer at NextCare.
Dr. Rick Singh, Board Certified in Family Medicine and trained in Emergency Medicine, completed his residency at ProMedica Flower Hospital in Ohio. Joining NextCare in 2014, he advanced through leadership roles before becoming Chief Medical Officer in February 2023.
Spring arrives with blooming flowers—and an explosion of sneezes. As pollen fills the air, millions battle itchy eyes, congestion, and relentless runny noses. If over-the-counter meds aren’t cutting it, urgent care can provide fast relief without the long wait or high costs of the ER. Don’t let allergies take over—know when it’s time to get professional help.
This guide covers everything you need to know about seasonal allergies, including common symptoms, different types, and key triggers. You’ll also learn how to manage symptoms at home, when to seek urgent care, and how allergies vary across different states.
Understanding Seasonal Allergies and Their Symptoms
What is a Seasonal Allergy?
Seasonal allergies are your body’s reaction to airborne allergens like pollen from trees, grass, or weeds that peak during specific times of the year. When exposed, your immune system overreacts, triggering sneezing, itching, congestion, and watery eyes.
Common Symptoms of Seasonal Allergies
- ⊕ Sneezing – Frequent and uncontrollable sneezing fits.
- ⊕ Runny or Stuffy Nose – Congestion or excessive nasal discharge.
- ⊕ Watery, Itchy Eyes – Red, irritated, or teary eyes
Beyond these headliners lie other culprits like coughing, snoring due to congestion overnight, temporary loss of smell, headache, fatigue, sore throat, watery or itchy eyes, and ear congestion. Postnasal drainage is also a common symptom.
Allergic Rhinitis: A Common Type of Seasonal Allergy
If you thought “allergic rhinitis“ was some fancy dance move you missed out on learning – think again. It’s actually just another term for those nagging nasal symptoms caused by airborne allergens such as pollen, tree pollen, pet dander, dust mites, and mold spores (common triggers). This condition can get real cozy with our immune systems during allergy seasons, leading to inflammation and stuffiness beyond mere annoyance levels. So when your nose feels like it’s hosting its own block party without inviting you, you’ve likely got allergic rhinitis crashing said party.
When to Seek Urgent Care for Allergies
Wondering if your sneeze warrants a doctor’s visit? Here’s the deal: mild seasonal allergies can often be managed at home, but severe reactions need medical attention—fast. If your symptoms go beyond the usual sneezing and congestion, don’t wait it out.
Signs You Should Visit Urgent Care
- ⊕ Severe Swelling or Hives – Especially around the face, lips, or throat.
- ⊕ Difficulty Breathing or Wheezing – A red flag for a more serious allergic reaction.
- ⊕ Persistent Coughing or Chest Tightness – This could indicate asthma or a severe allergy response.
- ⊕ Sudden Dizziness, Vomiting, or Lightheadedness – These symptoms may point to anaphylaxis.
- ⊕ Eye Swelling or Discharge – This could be a sign of allergic conjunctivitis needing medical treatment.
When to Go to the ER Instead
If you experience anaphylaxis symptoms—like trouble breathing, a rapid heartbeat, or throat closing up—skip urgent care and head straight to the emergency room.
NextCare Urgent Care provides fast relief for moderate to severe allergy symptoms when home treatments aren’t enough. Whether it’s a stubborn rash, relentless congestion, or an allergic reaction that won’t subside, urgent care is a smart alternative to long ER wait times.
Key Takeaway:
When allergies turn severe, don’t wait. Difficulty breathing, swelling, or sudden symptoms like vomiting after eating? Head to urgent care or the ER pronto—it could save your life.
Identifying Common Triggers of Seasonal Allergies
Whether you’re dodging pollen or questioning your life choices after snuggling your pet, knowing what triggers your allergies is the first step toward relief.
Environmental Factors Contributing to Allergies
The great outdoors may be refreshing, but for allergy sufferers, it’s also a minefield of airborne irritants. Here’s what’s lurking in the air:
- ⊕ Pollen – Trees, grass, and flowers are beautiful… until they turn your sinuses into a leaky faucet.
- ⊕ Mold Spores – Love damp areas and thrive after rain, making outdoor strolls a risky game.
- ⊕ Air Pollution – Invisible but powerful, pollutants can worsen allergy symptoms and leave you reaching for tissues more often than you’d like.
Pro tip: During peak pollen season, keeping your windows closed might just save your sinuses.
How Pet Dander and Dust Mites Trigger Allergies
Think staying inside is the safer bet? Not so fast. Common household allergens can be just as relentless:
- ⊕ Pet Dander – Your furry companion is cute, but their dander? Not so much. It clings to furniture, clothes, and bedding—even if they swear they’ve never been on the couch.
- ⊕ Dust Mites – These microscopic freeloaders love warm, cozy environments like your mattress and pillows.
Understanding your allergy triggers helps you take control—whether it’s adjusting your cleaning routine, avoiding peak pollen hours, or knowing when it’s time to seek medical help.
If your allergies are getting out of hand, NextCare Urgent Care is here to help with fast, effective allergy relief. Because no one should have to suffer through allergy season unarmed.
Managing and Treating Seasonal Allergies at Home
Seasonal allergies don’t have to take over your life. With the right at-home strategies, you can minimize exposure to allergens and keep symptoms in check—without relying on medication every time you step outside.
Tips for Reducing Exposure to Allergens
The best way to fight allergies? Avoid allergens whenever possible. Think of it like dodging that one relative at family gatherings—the less contact, the better.
- ⊕ Keep Windows Closed – Fresh air is great… until it’s full of pollen. Use air conditioning instead.
- ⊕ Vacuum with HEPA Filters – These filters trap tiny allergens, stopping them before they hit your sinuses.
- ⊕ Dry Laundry Indoors – Hanging clothes outside is an open invitation for pollen to tag along.
- ⊕ Use Mite-Proof Bedding – Dust mites love warm beds as much as you do. Encase your mattress and pillows in allergen-proof covers.
- ⊕ Wash Bedding & Curtains Regularly – Pollen, pet dander, and dust settle on fabrics, so keep them clean.
- ⊕ Reduce Humidity Indoors – Mold spores thrive in moisture. A dehumidifier can help keep them in check.
Home Remedies for Alleviating Symptoms
Even with precautions, symptoms can still sneak through. If allergies have you feeling like someone planted flowers inside your nose, try these natural remedies:
- ⊕ Nasal Saline Rinse – Whether you use a neti pot or saline spray, flushing out allergens helps clear nasal passages and reduces congestion.
- ⊕ Local Honey – Some believe eating local honey may help your body build tolerance to area-specific pollen. Take a small daily dose leading up to allergy season.
- ⊕ Steam Inhalation – A warm steam session opens airways and soothes irritated sinuses.
Key Takeaway:
Beat seasonal allergies at home by dodging allergens and embracing savvy strategies. Close windows, use HEPA filters, keep laundry indoors, and get mite-proof bedding. For symptoms that sneak through, try nasal saline rinses or local honey to fight back without pharmacy trips.
The Role of Urgent Care in Treating Seasonal Allergies
Seasonal allergies can turn a beautiful day into a non-stop sneezing marathon. When over-the-counter meds aren’t cutting it, NextCare urgent care offers fast, effective treatment for allergies—without the hassle of long doctor wait times or ER bills.
What to Expect During an Urgent Care Visit for Allergies
⊕ Walk in—No Appointment Needed: No waiting weeks for relief. Just walk in and get treated the same day.
⊕ Personalized Treatment Plan: Whether it’s tree pollen, dust mites, or pet dander, providers create a plan tailored to your specific symptoms.
⊕ Testing if Needed: If your symptoms are persistent or unexplained, allergy testing may be recommended to pinpoint your exact triggers.
⊕ Fast Symptom Relief: Walk out with prescriptions for antihistamines, nasal sprays, eye drops, or steroid treatments to tackle allergies head-on.
At their core, walk-in clinics offer swift alleviation of your allergy discomforts, enabling you to relish the seasonal joys once more.
Urgent care acts as your go-to for quick allergy relief, offering fast treatments and personalized plans to get you back to feeling great during allergy season.
Seasonal Allergies Across Different States
Achoo! If your allergies feel worse in some states than others, you’re not imagining it. The U.S. is a patchwork of pollen hotspots, with certain regions hitting allergy sufferers harder than others.
According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), cities like Wichita, Dallas, and Oklahoma City rank among the worst places for seasonal allergies due to high pollen counts, climate factors, and allergen exposure levels.
Why Some States Are Worse for Allergies
The severity of seasonal allergies depends on climate, vegetation, and urban growth patterns, which affect pollen distribution and air quality.
- ⊕ Southern & Midwest States (Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas): Warmer climates and long growing seasons mean more pollen for longer periods, especially tree and grass pollen.
- ⊕ Southwest (Arizona, New Mexico): Despite its dry climate, desert plants release aggressive allergens like ragweed pollen.
- ⊕ Northeast & Midwest (Missouri, Michigan, Virginia): Dense forests and fluctuating temperatures lead to high tree pollen in spring and ragweed spikes in late summer.
Meanwhile, rising carbon dioxide levels and climate change are extending pollen seasons across the country, making allergies worse than ever.
NextCare Urgent Care Locations for Allergy Relief
If those pesky allergens have got you feeling under the weather—fear not. NextCare Urgent Care has got your back (and nose).
⊕ Arizona: Desert blooms bring stunning landscapes—and relentless pollen. From ragweed to dust storms, allergies hit hard, but we’re here to help you breathe easier. Find a walk-in clinic in Arizona
⊕ Texas: Everything’s bigger—including pollen counts. From oak trees to grass pollen, allergy season here is year-round, but we’ve got you covered. Find a walk-in clinic in Texas
⊕ Oklahoma: With some of the highest ragweed pollen levels in the country, fall allergies are no joke. If sneezing season won’t quit, we’re ready to help. Find a walk-in clinic in Oklahoma
⊕ Kansas: Grass and weed pollen thrive on the Kansas plains, making spring and summer a battle for allergy sufferers. Stop by for relief that works fast. Find a walk-in clinic in Kansas
⊕ New Mexico: Dry air and desert pollen make allergies a challenge, especially for those new to the region. Get treated before symptoms take over. Find a walk-in clinic in New Mexico
⊕ Virginia: From oak and maple pollen in spring to ragweed in fall, Virginia’s allergy seasons are intense. Walk in for fast, effective allergy treatment. Find a walk-in clinic in Virginia
Allergies shouldn’t stop you from enjoying the season. Whether it’s hay fever, severe congestion, or itchy, watery eyes, NextCare Urgent Care provides fast, affordable treatment so you can breathe easy again.
FAQs: Seasonal Allergies & Symptoms
The best medicine for seasonal allergies depends on your symptoms. Antihistamines like loratadine (Claritin), cetirizine (Zyrtec), and fexofenadine (Allegra) help with sneezing and itching. Nasal sprays like fluticasone (Flonase) or mometasone (Nasonex) reduce inflammation, while decongestants provide short-term relief for stuffy noses. Allergy shots (immunotherapy) are an option for long-term control.
Yes, seasonal allergies can cause blurred vision due to eye irritation, dryness, or excessive tearing. Allergens like pollen can trigger allergic conjunctivitis, leading to red, swollen, and itchy eyes that may temporarily affect vision. Using antihistamine eye drops and staying indoors during high pollen counts can help.
Yes, allergies can cause hoarseness or voice loss due to postnasal drip and throat irritation. When allergens trigger mucus buildup, it can irritate the vocal cords, leading to a raspy or weak voice. Staying hydrated and using antihistamines can help reduce symptoms.
Seasonal allergies cause sneezing, itchy eyes, congestion, and postnasal drip that occur during specific times of the year (spring, summer, or fall). If your symptoms worsen outdoors or improve indoors, allergies are likely the cause. Allergy testing can confirm the triggers.
Seasonal allergies don’t typically cause swollen lymph nodes, but severe reactions with sinus infections, respiratory irritation, or chronic postnasal drip can lead to mild lymph node swelling in the neck or under the jaw. If swelling persists or is painful, consult a doctor.
Allergies may worsen at night due to pollen settling indoors, dust mites in bedding, or pet dander exposure. Using HEPA filters, washing bedding regularly, and keeping windows closed can reduce nighttime symptoms.
Yes, allergies can cause ear pressure and mild pain by blocking the Eustachian tubes, which connect the ears to the throat. This pressure imbalance can lead to muffled hearing or discomfort.
Yes, allergy symptoms like nasal congestion, poor sleep, and histamine response can cause fatigue and brain fog. Taking non-drowsy antihistamines and improving sleep quality can help.
Yes, seasonal allergies can cause vertigo or dizziness due to inner ear congestion. Allergens can inflame the Eustachian tubes, affecting balance and making you feel lightheaded or off-balance. Nasal decongestants or antihistamines may help relieve symptoms.
Yes, allergies can cause ear pressure and mild pain by blocking the Eustachian tubes, which connect the ears to the throat. This pressure imbalance can lead to muffled hearing or discomfort.
Conclusion: Take Control of Your Allergies
Seasonal allergies may be relentless, but they’re not unbeatable. From identifying triggers to managing symptoms at home and knowing when to seek urgent care, you now have the tools to take control.
Urgent care isn’t just for fevers and sprains—it’s a fast, effective solution when allergies hit hard. Whether it’s persistent congestion, itchy eyes, or more severe reactions, NextCare Urgent Care is here to help.
Don’t let allergies disrupt your life. Find a walk-in clinic near you and get relief today!
