Sniffles, tears, runny noses, congestion, and headaches

April showers bring May flowers. The sing songy saying makes Spring sound so beautiful but behind all of that beauty are allergens. And in East Tennessee there are a lot of allergens!

Rain Means more Mold

When thinking of allergens, many of us go straight to yellow pollen, but East Tennessee is also troubled by high mold counts. A warmer, wet winter like this year helps keep mold growing. Then you follow that season by a rainy spring and mold allergies go into overdrive.

High Pollen Counts

All of that rain encourages the spring growth we love. But growth means pollen. Sniffling nose, watery eye, congestion causing pollen. Our Spring often comes with high tree pollen and grass pollen counts. With climate change, research shows pollen seasons may extend and new pollens may be introduced.

How to combat pollen season

As you begin to recognize allergy symptoms, you can implement a few changes in your day to day life to ease these symptoms.

  • Change your clothes after spending time outside.
  • Don’t wear shoes inside.
  • Take showers in the evening to wash away pollen. Don’t forget to wash your hair.
  • Change sheets weekly.
  • Keep windows closed.
  • Replace air filters.
  • Check pollen reports to understand the best days to avoid outside activities.
  • Take over-the-counter allergy medication

For those who wish to reduce or eliminate their body’s response to allergens, seeking help from an allergist is a great option. You can be tested for allergies and have custom shots made for injections. This can help your body build up a resistance to said allergens. Healthstar Physicians is a multi-specialty physicians group with 14 locations in five counties including three after hours clinics. We live and work right here in East Tennessee and often suffer from the same allergies as you. Reach out to us and set up an appointment. We accept most forms of health insurance. Contact us to find out more.