Atrium Health Navicent providers encourage early prevention and symptom control as allergy season begins
As plants begin a new season of growth and bloom, health care providers at Atrium Health Navicent are reminding residents that rising tree pollen levels can trigger seasonal allergy symptoms and are offering practical tips to help people feel their best this season.
Seasonal allergic rhinitis — often called hay fever — is commonly caused by pollen from trees as spring approaches. Symptoms may include sneezing, nasal congestion, a runny nose, itchy nose or throat, and itchy or watery eyes. These can often worsen on dry, windy days when pollen levels are higher.
“Many people think of allergies as a minor nuisance, but symptoms can significantly affect sleep, work, and quality of life if they aren’t managed early,” said Atrium Health Navicent Nurse Practitioner Donicia Mabo. “The good news is there are simple steps people can take to reduce exposure and control symptoms.”
Tips to reduce pollen exposure include:
- Check daily pollen counts and limit outdoor activities when levels are high
- Keep windows closed at home and in the car during peak pollen times
- Wear sunglasses or eyeglasses outdoors to reduce pollen exposure to the eyes
- Change clothes and shower after spending time outside to remove pollen from skin and hair
- Use air conditioning and change HVAC filters regularly to help keep indoor air cleaner
Over-the-counter medications such as oral antihistamines and corticosteroid nasal sprays can help relieve allergy symptoms, Mabo said.
“Corticosteroid sprays are a first-line treatment for moderate or persistent symptoms, but it’s important to use them consistently,” Mabo said. “Saline nasal rinses can also help flush pollen from the nasal passages, and allergy eye drops may provide relief for itchy or watery eyes.”
Patients are encouraged to talk with a health care provider before starting a new over-the-counter allergy medication—especially if they take prescription medications or have other health conditions, she said.
“Contact your primary care provider if allergy symptoms worsen, interfere with sleep or daily activities, or if you experience shortness of breath or wheezing,” she said, adding that video visits virtual care options are available for convenient, easy-to-access care.
About Atrium Health Navicent
Atrium Health Navicent is the leading provider of health care in central and south Georgia and is committed to its mission of elevating health and well-being through compassionate care. Atrium Health Navicent is part of Advocate Health, which is headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, and is the third-largest nonprofit health system in the United States, created from the combination of Atrium Health and Advocate Aurora Health. Atrium Health Navicent provides high-quality, personalized care in 53 specialties at more than 50 facilities throughout the region. As part of the largest, integrated, nonprofit health system in the Southeast, it is also able to tap into some of the nation’s leading medical experts and specialists with Atrium Health, allowing it to provide the best care close to home – including advanced innovations in virtual medicine and care. Throughout its 130-year history in the community, Atrium Health Navicent has remained dedicated to enhancing health and wellness for individuals throughout the region through nationally recognized quality care, community health initiatives and collaborative partnerships. It is also one of the leading teaching hospitals in the region, helping to ensure viability for rural health care for the next generation. For more information, please visit www.NavicentHealth.org.
About Advocate Health
Advocate Health is the third-largest nonprofit, integrated health system in the United States, created from the combination of Advocate Aurora Health and Atrium Health. Providing care under the names Advocate Health Care in Illinois; Atrium Health in the Carolinas, Georgia and Alabama; and Aurora Health Care in Wisconsin, Advocate Health is a national leader in clinical innovation, health outcomes, consumer experience and value-based care. Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, Advocate Health services nearly 6 million patients and is engaged in hundreds of clinical trials and research studies, with Wake Forest University School of Medicine serving as the academic core of the enterprise. Advocate Health is nationally recognized for its expertise in heart and vascular, neurosciences, oncology, pediatrics and rehabilitation, as well as organ transplants, burn treatments and specialized musculoskeletal programs. Advocate Health employs more than 160,000 teammates across 69 hospitals and over 1,000 care locations, and offers one of the nation’s largest graduate medical education programs with over 2,000 residents and fellows across more than 200 programs. Committed to redefining care for all, Advocate Health provides more than $6 billion in annual community benefits.
