The dreaded yellow film that coats your car, your front porch, your dog and almost anything that remains outside for more than a few minutes is back.

And that can only mean one thing: pollen season, which translates to seasonal allergies for millions of Americans. According to the most recent data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4.1 million people made appointments in 2019 to see a physician as a result of allergic rhinitis, irritation and inflammation of the mucus membrane inside the nose, as the primary diagnosis.

If you are suffering from sneezing, itchy eyes and nasal congestion and all of the uncomfortable symptoms associated with an increase in the pollen count, you might want to make an appointment with a primary care physician or visit a local urgent care clinic.

Those 4.1 million who made appointments represent just a fraction of people who suffer from seasonal allergies. Per the CDC, 18.9 percent of children younger than 18 suffer from season allergies, and 25.7 percent of those 18 and older suffer from seasonal allergies.

Exacerbating conditions for most Georgians is that over 60 percent of the state’s land is made up of pine forests, and pine pollen is a prime irritant for those who suffer from seasonal allergies.

Brian S. Bobb, M.D., senior medical director of Piedmont’s WellStreet Urgent Care, said if someone is experiencing sneezing, itchy eyes or a runny nose without a fever, it’s likely allergies 

“However, if you’re sudden hit with a high fever, body aches, fatigue or a dry cough, these are warning signs that it could be something more serious,” Dr. Bobb said. “If you’re ever in doubt or your symptoms seem to be getting worse, it’s best to see a healthcare provider for guidance.”

Piedmont has two urgent care locations in Macon – at 2410 Ingleside Ave. and 5791 Zebulon Road.

Potential over-the-counter treatments are available for seasonal allergies. These include antihistamines, which block histamines, the chemicals found in some of the body's cells that cause many of the symptoms of allergies. Additionally, nasal sprays are available. These are corticosteroids that help to reduce inflammation.

Confusing seasonal allergies with COVID and flu remains a possibility at this time of the year. 

“Determining whether a patient is just suffering from allergies or is coming down with a cold can easily be done through telemedicine,” said Patrick Railey, M.D., chief of primary care at Piedmont. “Once diagnosed, we can discuss medications and other steps to relieve the patient’s symptoms and get them feeling better.”

Piedmont offers virtual visits with primary care physicians, urgent care locations and specialty practices. Most visits are conducted over video, and all you need to get started is a video-enabled computer, tablet or smartphone. Piedmont’s virtual visits are also HIPAA-compliant, so you can be confident that your information is kept safely. In addition, Piedmont now offers On-Demand Virtual Visits that allow patients to be seen same-day for minor illnesses or concerns, like seasonal allergies, through the Piedmont MyChart portal. If patients start experiencing symptoms, they can see a provider virtually with no appointment needed.