If you dread the approach of allergy season, let your ENT physician prepare you for symptom management and real relief. At our Garland, TX, office, otolaryngologist, Dr. James Maddox, helps numerous patients feel their best even during peak allergy seasons.
When is allergy season?
The start and duration of an allergy season vary with where you live. Typically, it runs anywhere from January to November, but most allergy sufferers experience their most distressing symptoms with the onset of Spring.
Spring poses an array of allergy events, including increasing pollen count, warmer temperatures, and rainy weather which may activate mold growth both inside and outside your house. Common allergy symptoms include:
- Sneezing and coughing
- Runny nose
- Itchy, watery, puffy eyes
- Itchy skin and hives
- Sinus congestion and infection
Consult your ENT doctor
Dr. Maddox likes to see his allergy patients in his Garland, TX, office before the peak season begins. He'll review your symptoms and medications and make sure you have your meds on hand so you can start them in advance of Springtime.
If you suspect you have allergies but have never been evaluated, come into the office for testing. The most common kind of allergy testing is the skin prick test which introduces a small number of suspected allergens under your skin. Dr. Maddox reads the sites and formulates a care plan to include some or all of the following:
- Decongestant and antihistamine medications
- Allergy shots (immunotherapy) to desensitize the immune system to suspected allergic triggers
Other things you can do
At home, take these common-sense precautions before your symptoms begin:
- Spring clean the house to limit dust mites, pet dander, and mold spores.
- Change your HVAC filters, and either clean your doormats or get new ones.
- Check the pollen count every day, and keep the doors and windows closed on high count days.
- Have a supply of your allergy meds on hand, and begin taking them before allergy season begins.
- Wear sunglasses outdoors, and wear a dust mask when mowing the lawn or doing other gardening chores.
- Keep your dog and cat well-groomed and clean.
Be prepared
The Asthma and Allergy Foundation says that 20 million Americans have seasonal allergies, and they caused substantial illness when not treated. Let Dr. James Maddox and his team guide you through the allergy season. Phone us in Garland, TX, at (972) 272-5555.