For those who already call this area home, we know. To the many people moving here from everywhere else, welcome to Tennessee allergies! It would be an understatement to say that this is a challenging area to live in if you suffer from seasonal allergies. The pollen season starts around February and can last through Fall because each season provides different allergens. We must also not forget that there are indoor allergens such as mold, dust mites, pet dander, and pests.

How do you know if you have allergies or something else? The following symptoms can be tell-tale signs that you are suffering from an allergen.

· Runny nose

· Scratchy throat

· Watery or itchy eyes

· Headaches

· Congestion

· Worsening asthma

· Hives

· Sneezing

The great news is you don’t have to “just deal with” these symptoms. In most cases, they can be controlled with just a few easy steps. 

· Cover mattresses and pillows with zippered allergen resistant covers

· Wash bedding in hot water at least once a week

· Vacuum carpets twice a week

· Keep your home clean and uncluttered

· Avoid heavy drapery on windows

· Limit outdoor pollen indoors by keeping windows closed

· Do not wear shoes inside the home

· Control pet dander

· Limit indoor plants

· Change air filters monthly

· Limit moisture in the bathroom to prevent mold spores (long hot showers, use dehumidifiers)

Although the ideal treatment for the management of symptoms is avoidance of allergy triggers, some allergy triggers are unavoidable. Change clothing when you have been outside, shower daily, and wash your hair. Allergens can collect on your clothing which can be transferred to your home.

Oral antihistamines such as Zyrtec, Allegra, Claritin, Xyzal can be taken daily through allergy season. This can be combined with nasal sprays like Flonase, Azelastine, and Nasacort. With severe symptoms, a visit to your health provider may be warranted for prescription medications and/or a referral to an allergist for testing. Not treating symptoms is a bad idea because this can make you prone to complications and secondary infections.

Don’t let allergies get the best of you this season, so you can go out and enjoy this beautiful Tennessee weather!

About The Expert:

Lavonne Clifford is the owner of NP Clinic and has over 21 years of nursing experience. She uses different methods, both traditional and non-traditional approaches for treatment, to care for her patients. Her goal is to treat underlying conditions to improve the overall health. In addition to the White House location, she opened a satellite clinic in Hendersonville in 2018, providing the same experience and treatment to those in that area.