Same-day sick visits
Sick? Call in the morning and we may be able to see you today.
Learn moreAllergy care close to home
Allergies can make you feel run down for weeks at a time. A stuffy nose, sneezing, itchy or watery eyes, and a cough that won't quit can get in the way of work, school and sleep. At Beckett Ridge Family Medicine, we help children and adults sort out what is causing their symptoms and put a plan in place that fits their life.
We have cared for families in West Chester Township since 1995, and many of our patients come from nearby Liberty Township, Mason and Fairfield. Because we are your family practice, we can look at your allergies alongside the rest of your health, including asthma, sinus problems, sleep and the medicines you already take.
Allergy seasons in southwest Ohio
Outdoor allergies in the Ohio Valley tend to follow the seasons. The exact timing shifts from year to year with the weather, but the general pattern looks like this:
- Spring: tree pollen is usually the first to show up, often starting in late winter or early spring.
- Late spring and summer: grass pollen tends to take over.
- Late summer and fall: ragweed and other weed pollens are common, often lasting until the first hard frost. Outdoor mold can also rise in the fall.
- Year-round: indoor allergens such as dust mites, pet dander and mold can cause symptoms in any month.
If your symptoms show up at the same time every year, that pattern is a useful clue. If they never really go away, an indoor trigger may be part of the picture.
How we treat allergies
Your plan depends on your symptoms, your age, your other health conditions and what you have already tried. It often includes a mix of these steps:
- Avoiding triggers. Simple changes can help, such as keeping windows closed on high pollen days, showering and changing clothes after time outside, washing bedding often and keeping pets out of the bedroom.
- Over-the-counter medicines. Many people do well with antihistamines, nasal sprays or eye drops you can buy at the pharmacy. We'll help you choose what fits your symptoms and how to use it.
- Prescription medicines. If store-bought options aren't enough or cause side effects, we can talk about prescription treatment.
- Follow-up. We check in to see what is working and adjust the plan before the next season starts.
- Referral to an allergist. If you need allergy testing, allergy shots or more specialized care, we'll refer you to an allergist and stay involved in your overall care.
When allergies affect your breathing
Allergies and asthma are closely linked. For some people, pollen, dust, pets or mold can trigger wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath or a cough that is worse at night. If allergy season makes your breathing harder, tell us. We can review your asthma plan along with your allergy plan so they work together.
Call 911 or go to the ER if you have severe trouble breathing, your lips or face turn blue or gray, or you have swelling of the lips, tongue or throat after a sting, food or medicine. These can be signs of a serious reaction that needs emergency care.
Indoor mold and ongoing symptoms
Mold that grows indoors after a leak or in a damp basement can cause classic allergy symptoms like congestion, sneezing and itchy eyes. Keeping humidity low and fixing water problems can help. Some people with a history of mold exposure have broader symptoms, such as fatigue or trouble thinking clearly, that don't fit a simple allergy pattern. If that sounds like you, learn about our mold-related illness care.
When to call us
Call us if your symptoms last for weeks, keep you up at night, cause sinus pain or ear pressure that won't go away, or aren't helped by over-the-counter medicine. If you are sick with a fever or new symptoms, we may be able to see you the same day. Learn more about same-day sick visits.
To book an allergy visit, call (513) 860-4600.
