Are you already dreading the sniffles and sneezing that arrives with spring? Then it might be time for you to learn a little bit more about seasonal allergies and how you can help alleviate your symptoms and enjoy the weather.
What are seasonal allergies?
Seasonal allergies are also called hay fever and allergic rhinitis. The symptoms you face, such as having a runny nose, itchy eyes, and congestion, are the result of your immune system reacting to airborne substances that usually only appear during certain times of the year.
When you react to these airborne substances, it’s your immune system trying to defend itself. For instance, if you have an allergy to mold spores (an airborne substance), your immune system will identify the mold spore as an allergen and overreact to its presence. This ‘overreaction’ is what creates the symptoms you feel.
So, how do you lessen the effects of seasonal allergies?
1. Learn what allergens trigger your seasonal allergies
The first step to lessening the effects of your seasonal allergies is to being able to avoid them.
According to experts, spring allergies are usually triggered by pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds.
2. Avoid the times of day when your allergens are highest
According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, pollen levels for trees and grasses are highest in the evening. While it’s nice to go for an evening stroll, avoiding being present outside at this time of day could help you avoid sending your immune system into overdrive.
3. Take precautions with your yardwork
You’ll most likely start to feel your allergies acting up when you’re pulling weeds or mowing the lawn because you’re being directly exposed to your trigger. Wear a protective mask when doing lawn work to help keep the allergens from getting into your airways and wear sunglasses to protect your eyes. You can also use this as an excuse to delegate the yard work to a loved one in your house (just don’t tell them it was us who told you!).
4. Wash your allergens away
It’s natural to want to be outside when the weather is nice, but did you know you could be bringing allergens into your house on your skin and clothes that could affect you for hours or days to come? Remember to take a shower, wash your hair, and change your clothes after you’ve been outside during peak pollen times or in peak pollen places.
5. Keep your house and car allergy-free
While having the window open on a spring day can be nice, it also lets in triggers that can cause your allergies to flare up. Avoid keeping your windows and doors open in your car and in your home if you’re feeling your allergy symptoms acting up.
Make sure you’re paying attention to your air filters too. Remember to change your air conditioning unit’s filter regularly. You can also purchase a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter to install in your AC unit that will assist in cleaning the air clean.
Vacuuming and dusting are important during high-allergen times too.
6. Try over-the-counter remedies
As you probably know, there are a ton of options when it comes to over the counter allergy medications. There are four main classifications of OTC nonprescription medicines: oral antihistamines, decongestant, nasal sprays, and combination medicines.
Antihistamine help to relieve sneezing, itching, a runny nose and watery eyes. Decongestants work to give you temporary nasal relief. It is best to only use these for a few days. Nasal sprays don’t have serious side effects and can help easy allergy symptoms. Lastly, some medications are both antihistamines and decongestants. (Information from the Mayo Clinic).
7. Visit your primary care provider to seek treatment options
Seasonal allergies aren’t worth suffering through. If you still feel miserable after trying some of these tips, come in to see us to learn about ways we can help you manage your allergies and fully enjoy the outdoors!
We can help you by working with you to figure out what is triggering your allergens and see if allergen immunotherapy (also known as allergy shots) are right for you!
To make an appointment, call 1 (800) 321-5043.
Sources:
https://www.aaaai.org/conditions-and-treatments/library/at-a-glance/outdoor-allergens
http://www.webmd.com/allergies/spring-allergies#1
