Spring in the Triad: How to Handle Allergies, Asthma and Outdoor Injuries

In this article

• • Treat Spring Allergies
  • At-Home Care
  • Get Care for Outdoor Injuries
  • Stay Hydrated in Warm Weather
  • Avoid Asthma Flares
  • Protection from Mosquitos and Ticks

What are the best ways to treat spring allergies?

If you know that you experience common allergy symptoms like sneezing, congestion, or itchy eyes each spring, plan ahead. Start taking allergy medications before symptoms begin!

Cone Health Community Pharmacy locations offer over‑the‑counter medications (OTC) to keep on hand, such as:

• • • Zyrtec.
    • Claritin.
    • Allegra.
    • Steroid nasal sprays.
    • Daily saline rinses.

Avoid heavy pollen exposure by:

• • • Keeping windows and doors closed.
    • Limiting outside time for pets.
    • Changing your home's air filters.

Visit your primary care provider or urgent care if your symptoms worsen, you develop new symptoms, you develop a fever or show signs of infection.

How can I treat common injuries at home?

During the springtime, urgent cares most commonly see sprains, strains, overuse injuries, cuts and lacerations. You can prevent an accident by doing a light warm‑up or stretch to prepare for yard work or spring cleaning. However, if a minor injury like a mild sprain, small cut or mild rash occurs, you can start with at-home treatment including OTC pain relievers, topical creams or RICE.

RICE Therapy:

1. Rest - Immediately stop your activity.
2. Ice - Apply a wrapped ice pack to reduce swelling and relieve pain.
3. Compression - Use an elastic bandage to minimize swelling, without restricting circulation.
4. Elevation - Raise your injured body part above the heart.

If symptoms don’t improve, seeking medical care is important to rule out more serious issues.

Where should I get care for outdoor injuries?

After a long winter indoors, many of us feel eager to get back into the swing of our favorite outdoor hobbies. But doing too much, too fast can lead to complications. Practice these tips to enjoy a safe spring:

• Increase your activity level incrementally each week.
• Stretch before and after an activity.
• Don't rush. Warm up to your activity slowly.
• Listen to your body and know when to take a break.

If there is an accident during physical activity, know where to go.

Virtual Care

A virtual urgent care visit can help determine next steps if you have a worsening condition.

Urgent Care

If you have a moderate injury or persistent symptoms, visit an in‑person urgent care location for an evaluation.

Emergency Department

Seek immediate emergency care if you are experiencing:

• Bone deformities.
• Uncontrolled bleeding.
• Trouble breathing.

How can I tell if I'm dehydrated?

Hydration is important year‑round. Take care to drink water before, during and after an activity, especially during strenuous outdoor work.

Signs of dehydration include:

• Dark urine.
• Dizziness.
• Fatigue.
• Headaches.
• Muscle cramps.

Visit Urgent Care if you experience:

• Confusion.
• Lack of sweating.
• Rapid heart rate.
• Fainting sensations.

How can I prevent triggering my asthma?

How to avoid asthma flares:

Asthma flares are common this time of year due to pollen and temperature changes. A few precautions to take include:

• Knowing what your specific triggers are.
• Keeping a rescue inhaler on hand.
• Maintaining your regular asthma medications.

Seek immediate care for:

• Wheezing.
• Persistent cough.
• Difficulty speaking in full sentences.
• Discoloration of the lips or fingernails.

What are the best ways to prevent bug bites?

With warmer weather comes the return of insects.

Prevent mosquito bites and tick exposures:

• Wear long sleeves and long pants
• Use insect repellent, especially in wooded areas.
• After spending time outdoors, always check your body—and your pets—for ticks.

Many people only discover ticks or insect bites well after exposure.

Watch the full WFMY 2 Your Well-Being conversation with Christie Leath-Warren, NP, with Cone Health Urgent Care at Reidsville below.