Say Goodbye to Seasonal Allergies and Hello to the Great Outdoors in Bristol, CT

What Are Seasonal Allergies?

Seasonal allergies, also called allergic rhinitis or hay fever, occur when your immune system overreacts to airborne allergens like pollen, mold, and dust. The specific triggers vary by season:

• Spring allergies: Usually caused by tree pollen and early blooming flowers.
• Fall allergies: Often triggered by ragweed, late-blooming weeds, and mold from fallen leaves.

Common symptoms of seasonal allergies include sneezing, a runny nose, nasal congestion, itchy and watery eyes, postnasal drip, and even fatigue or irritability. These symptoms can range from mild to severe and often interfere with daily activities, making it difficult to fully enjoy time outdoors.

Treatment Options

At Naugatuck Valley ENT, we offer a range of strategies to manage seasonal allergies, from over-the-counter remedies to advanced treatments.

1. Medications:

• Antihistamines: Help reduce sneezing, a runny nose, and itchy eyes.
• Nasal corticosteroid sprays: Reduce inflammation in the nasal passages.
• Decongestants: Provide short-term relief of nasal congestion.
• Eye drops: Relieve itchy, watery eyes.

2. Lifestyle and Environmental Strategies:

• Check pollen counts and limit outdoor activity when levels are high.
• Shower and change clothes after spending time outside.
• Keep windows closed and use HEPA air filters.
• Wear sunglasses and lightweight masks to reduce exposure.

3. Allergy Immunotherapy: For patients with moderate to severe allergies, immunotherapy (allergy shots or sublingual tablets) can help reduce sensitivity over time and improve long-term quality of life.

When to See an ENT

While many allergy symptoms can be managed with medications, it’s important to see an ENT if you experience:

• Persistent congestion or sinus pressure
• Chronic sinus infections
• Severe reactions that interfere with daily life
• Symptoms that don’t improve with over-the-counter treatments

An ENT can provide personalized testing, diagnosis, and treatment plans to help you manage allergies effectively.

Enjoy the Outdoors Again

With the right strategies, seasonal allergies don’t have to keep you indoors. By combining medication, environmental control, and expert care from Naugatuck Valley ENT, you can breathe more easily and fully enjoy the beauty of spring and fall. Contact us today at (203) 578-4630 to schedule a consultation and discuss your seasonal allergies. You’ll receive a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.