For many people, spring is the season of blooming flowers, warmer weather — and non-stop sneezing. If you’ve noticed your allergies hitting harder this year, you’re not alone. Pollen counts are rising earlier and staying high longer. While most allergy indications can be managed with rest and over-the-counter treatments, some cases go beyond the usual itchy eyes and runny nose.

If your spring allergies feel like they’re out of control, it may be time to get help from a medical team — especially if symptoms start to affect your breathing or daily function. Here’s how to tell when it’s more than just seasonal discomfort and how Express ER can help.

What Triggers Spring Allergies?

Spring allergies are usually the consequences of pollen from trees, grass, and weeds. When your immune system sees pollen as a threat, it reacts — even though the pollen itself isn’t harmful. That reaction causes a cascade of symptoms that can range from mild to severe.

Common spring allergens include:

• Oak, cedar, maple, and birch tree pollen
• Grass pollen (especially Bermuda and ryegrass)
• Mold spores, which rise with spring moisture and humidity

For some people, even small amounts of these particles in the air can trigger a strong response.

Common Symptoms of Spring Allergies

Spring allergy symptoms can look and feel a lot like a cold — which is why many people try to tough it out or take the wrong treatment. But if your symptoms return every year around the same time, allergies are a likely cause.

You may notice:

• Sneezing fits
• Stuffy or runny nose
• Itchy, watery, or red eyes
• Scratchy throat
• Cough (especially dry and persistent)
• Headache or sinus pressure
• Fatigue or poor sleep from congestion

Mild symptoms can be frustrating but manageable. However, if they last more than a few days or seem to get worse even with allergy medication, it could point to a more serious reaction or complication.

When Spring Allergies Become More Serious

Some people experience a stronger response to spring allergens — and in certain cases, it can lead to breathing trouble or trigger underlying conditions like asthma.

You should seek medical attention right away if you notice:

• Shortness of breath
• Chest tightness or wheezing
• Severe sinus pain
• Swelling around the eyes or face
• Rash or hives
• Nausea or dizziness after allergen exposure

These may be signs pointing towards a severe allergic reaction or an allergy-related complication. It’s important not to wait for symptoms to pass on their own if they’re affecting your ability to breathe, speak, or stay alert.

Why You Might Need Emergency Allergy Care

Seasonal allergies are typically treated at home — but not always. You may need to visit our emergency room if:

• You’re having breathing problems that don’t improve.
• Allergy medication isn’t working or is causing side effects.
• Symptoms are interfering with your sleep, hydration, or ability to eat.
• Your child shows an indication of an allergic reaction, and it’s not clear what caused it.
• You develop signs of a secondary issue like a sinus infection or asthma flare-up.

Emergency care isn’t just for life-threatening symptoms. It’s also the right step when symptoms keep you from living normally and don’t respond to your usual routine.

What to Expect at Express ER

At Express ER, we’re open around the clock to treat allergic reactions and related conditions. You don’t need an appointment — and you’ll be seen promptly by medical professionals who know how to handle both mild and severe allergy symptoms.

Our team can provide:

• Fast evaluation and monitoring of breathing or swelling
• Advanced treatment options for severe allergy symptoms
• Testing to rule out other causes, like infection or respiratory issues
• Referrals to specialists if ongoing care is needed

Whether you’re dealing with a reaction for the first time or managing a recurring allergy, we can help you feel better — and breathe easier — sooner.

Tips for Managing Spring Allergies at Home

While medical care is important for severe cases, prevention and early management at home can help reduce flare-ups. A few simple habits go a long way:

• Limit outdoor exposure on high-pollen days (especially morning and windy days)
• Shower and change clothes after being outside
• Keep windows closed in your home and car during peak pollen hours.
• Use a HEPA filter or purifier for your air conditioning.
• Track local pollen counts so you can plan activities wisely.

If you’ve never had allergies before but notice them this year, don’t ignore the signs. Allergies can begin at any age, and early treatment can prevent more serious problems later.

Final Thoughts

Spring allergies are more than just a seasonal annoyance for many people. When symptoms become severe or unpredictable, it’s time to get help from a team that takes your health seriously.

At Express ER in Abilene, we provide expert care for both mild and urgent allergy concerns — day or night. Whether you’re struggling with congestion, trouble breathing, or a reaction that doesn’t feel “normal,” we’re here to give you fast relief and real answers.

No appointment is needed. No long wait. Just safe, focused care when you need it most.