Instead of grabbing the tissues, use these ten tips to treat allergies instead.
After a long and gray winter, the vibrant colors of spring are usually greeted with a cheer. However, for those of us who suffer from seasonal allergies, that greeting can come in the form of a box of tissues instead.
Seasonal allergies, also known as hay fever or rhinitis, are most frequently associated with sneezing and itchy eyes. However, they also can include headaches, sinus issues, nasal congestion and coughing.
And if blooming trees and plants weren’t enough, windy days can scatter the tree or grass pollen in all directions. Meanwhile, spring rain sends the mold count soaring.
Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to control your allergies without medicine. One of the best places to start? Environmental control.
Outsmart your sniffles with these 10 tips for preventing spring allergies:
- Postpone outdoor activities until later in the morning. Pollen counts are usually highest between 5 and 10 a.m.
- Take your shoes off as soon as you go indoors. This helps prevent pollen tracking.
- Keep your windows closed and use air conditioning, even on pleasant spring nights.
- Stay indoors when the pollen count or humidity is reported to be high as well as on windy days, when dust and pollen blow throughout the air.
- Keep your windows up and turn on the air conditioning while driving.
- Don’t hang your laundry out to dry. Often, allergens will hang on them.
- Wear a filter mask when mowing the lawn or raking leaves.
- Wash your bedding in hot water weekly.
- Shower and wash your hair every night before going to bed.
- If you have a pet that goes outside, wipe off their fur before they come back in.
Even after taking these precautions, many people need to use allergy medications to help get through the worst of the season. To find an over-the-counter or prescription medicine that’s right for you, check with your primary care doctor.
If your allergies persist, your doctor may recommend you see an allergist to determine the allergens that are causing your reactions. If you’re in need of a primary care physician to speak with about preventing spring allergies, find a doctor near you or learn more about your allergies today.
