Spring brings bright flowers, warmer temperatures, longer days…and lots of misery for allergy sufferers. Don’t let spring’s arrival send your sinuses into a tailspin. Enjoy the season by taking these steps to minimize your symptoms.
Remove your shoes before entering your home. Don’t track any pollen onto your floors and carpets.
Wipe the dog’s coat. Allergens cling to dog fur.
Wash your hair before bed. Doing so avoids the pollen rubbing off on your pillow.
Close the windows. While the idea of the fresh breeze might be nice, the air brings in the pollen you’re trying to avoid. Keep doors and windows closed, especially on high-pollen count days.
Change air filters. It’s usually recommended to change them every three months, but you might need to switch them sooner at the peak of pollen season.
Outsource your lawn care. It might be worth budgeting for lawn and landscape maintenance to avoid the symptoms that occur when you tackle the job yourself. If you do tend to your lawn, wearing a mask can keep you from breathing in allergens.
Use oral medications and nasal sprays. OTC allergy medicines and nasal sprays can help minimize allergic reactions.
Plan your day according to the pollen count. The local weather report usually gives a daily pollen count starting in the spring. You can also access it through the America Academy of Asthma and Immunology site.
If your seasonal allergy symptoms are so bad that they disrupt your lifestyle, it may be time to consult an ENT to discuss allergy testing. Once your specific allergens are identified, targeted treatment options can provide relief.
