Seasonal Allergies

	Are you suffering from nasal congestion, sneezing, itchy eyes and/or runny nose? Instead of looking forward to the spring, do you dread the allergy season? From prescriptions to allergy injections, ExpressCare can help to you feel better quickly, affordably and effectively.
	How Common are Seasonal Allergies? According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, nearly 50 million Americans suffer from allergies. Of the 50 million, 36 million suffer from seasonal allergies – sometimes known as hay fever. Additionally, millions of Americans suffer from year round allergies due to pollens, dust, animal dander and a host of other triggers.

What are Seasonal Allergies?
Seasonal allergies are typically caused by pollens. Pollens originate from trees, grasses and from weeds. The pollen stimulates the immune system to react. Specifically, the inhalation of an allergen triggers mast cells to release several mediators, including histamine. The mediators ultimately cause typical allergy symptoms.

What are the Symptoms of Seasonal Allergies?
In sensitive people, many uncomfortable symptoms can occur. The eyes may feel itchy and may water profusely. The nose may feel itchy; congested at times and will run at other times. The throat and the top of the mouth may feel itchy. Post nasal drip is can occur. . Headache, cough, earaches and wheezing are also commonly experienced.

What treatments are Available?
After carefully examining our patients, we will prescribe medical therapies aimed at relieving your symptoms. Many medical treatments are available for seasonal allergies, including:
Antihistamines: Help to alleviate symptoms by blocking the release of histamine. Histamine, which causes the majority of allergy symptoms, is a chemical that mast cells release in response to exposure to an allergen.
Antihistamine/Decongestant Combinations: Work in combination to relieve symptoms, the addition of the decongestant promotes shrinkage of swollen mucous membranes to improve nasal passage opening.
Steroidal Nasal Sprays: Reduce nasal symptoms by reducing inflammation and by shrinking swollen nasal membranes. Nasal sprays dramatically help to alleviate congestion, runny nose, itchiness, and sneezing. .
Allergy Injections: Allergy injections are generally prescribed by allergists/immunologists after extensive allergy testing. ExpressCare can administer your medications at your convenience – during work hours, after work and on the weekends. Our staff has been extensively trained by a board certified allergist about the administration of allergy injections.

How can ExpressCare Help?
ExpressCare’s Board certified providers will thoroughly examine every patient to determine the cause of their symptoms. Our providers will provide patient education designed to help you avoid allergy triggers. The providers will also write prescriptions to help alleviate symptoms. Additionally, ExpressCare will administer allergy injections, as prescribed by your allergist, in a safe, comfortable environment.