Spring has sprung, and pollen fills the air, leading to runny noses, itchy eyes, headaches and a myriad of other symptoms that leave people on the couch with a box of tissues instead of outside in the warm breeze. 

To help combat these seasonal strains, Cape Fear Valley Health has expanded its allergy care services in Harnett County through its new medical office building in Lillington. The facility includes a dedicated allergy area staffed by an experienced allergy nurse who works at the system’s Fayetteville ENT office. She provides allergy testing and treatment in Lillington two days a week, with the potential to increase availability over time.

Patients may undergo allergy testing to determine specific sensitivities. Common allergens include grasses, trees, weeds, dust, cats, dogs, feathers and mold. Patients typically receive their results during the same visit. 

When test results show significant allergies, the clinic can create customized vials containing the relevant allergens. These are administered in gradually increasing doses over a series of visits. This process aims to build the patient’s immune tolerance to the allergens over time, reducing the severity of symptoms. 

Many people struggle to tell whether they are dealing with seasonal allergies or a viral cold. While the symptoms can overlap, there are key differences.

A cold is usually caused by a virus affecting the upper respiratory system. Typical cold symptoms – such as clear mucus, nasal drainage and throat irritation – tend to resolve within about a week.

Allergic symptoms can look similar: runny nose, drainage down the back of the throat, congestion and difficulty breathing through the nose. However, allergy symptoms generally last longer than a week and often follow predictable seasonal patterns. 

In this region:

• Tree pollen season typically begins around March.
• Grass pollen is more prominent in late spring and early summer.
• Ragweed and other late-season weeds are more common from late August into the fall.

People with allergies may experience persistent symptoms during these periods rather than the short, self-limited course typical of a cold.

Patients can utilize over-the-counter (OTC) treatments to manage mild to moderate allergy symptoms before seeking more intensive interventions. Recommended options include saline rinses, nasal steroid sprays, such as Flonase, antihistamine nasal sprays, such as azelastine-based products, oral antihistamine, such as Claritin and Allegra or even Benadryl, though it is important to note Benadryl is known to cause drowsiness.

These treatments can often help patients manage seasonal discomfort without needing immediate in-person care, although persistent or severe symptoms may warrant evaluation by a primary care provider or specialist.

In addition to medication, the program emphasizes the importance of identifying and minimizing exposure to known allergens. Once testing reveals specific sensitivities, patients can take targeted steps at home and in their daily routines. 

For dust allergies, this may include using allergen-proof mattress and pillow covers, removing rugs and other fabric items that collect dust, eliminating stuffed animals and similar objects from the bedroom, and washing bed sheets at least once a week in hot water. 

Those with pollen allergies are advised to avoid mowing the lawn when possible or to wear a well-fitted mask, such as an N95, while cutting grass, and to limit outdoor activities during peak pollen times. 

For pet allergies, patients can restrict animals from the bedroom, confine them to certain areas of the home, and, in severe cases, consider finding a new home for the pet that is a better fit. Air purifiers and humidifiers may further improve indoor air quality and help reduce symptom severity for some patients.

Patients who remain significantly symptomatic despite OTC treatments and environmental measures may benefit from specialty evaluation. Primary care providers can refer appropriate patients to the Cape Fear Valley ENT and allergy team, including the new Lillington office.

With on-site testing, immediate results and access to tailored immunotherapy, Cape Fear Valley ENT aims to provide area residents with more convenient, locally available options to diagnose and manage their allergies and chronic sinus issues. Learn more at capefearvalley.com.