After months of being cooped indoors due to winter weather, you emerge into spring feeling happy, energized and — achoo! — very congested. For millions of allergy sufferers around the country, the blooms and blossoms that signal the return to warmer weather are a double-edged sword: You’ve finally regained your freedom, only to be besieged by seasonal allergies that can force you indoors yet again.

However, there are several proven strategies you can use to keep your sniffles and sneezes under control.

Remain Aware of Pollen Counts
The best defense against seasonal allergies is to know your enemy. Whether you’re sensitive to tree, grass or ragweed pollen, it’s important to understand which affects you the most and when they’re most prevalent.   

From there, you can use tools, like The Weather Channel’s allergy report or the Pollen Pal from Kleenex, to better understand your risks. When pollen levels are high, it can help you make better decisions to improve your comfort, such as moving plans for a picnic in the park to your living room or simply keeping allergy relief handy.

Weather and time of day can also impact the amount of pollen present in the air. For instance, light, steady rain showers can wash pollen away, keeping it out of the air, whereas windy days can keep pollen airborne.

Reduce Your Exposure
Anyone who has suffered through a bad allergy day knows how hard it can be to enjoy anything, even the things you love the most. Watery eyes, a drippy nose, constant sneezing and congestion — none of these symptoms are signs of a good time. That’s why it’s important to remain aware of your risks and reduce your exposures, especially if you have plans.

Here are some simple ways to avoid your allergy triggers:

• Stay indoors on days when the pollen count is high.
• Rinse off and change clothes immediately upon returning home on high-pollen days.
• Wear a mask if you need to be outdoors or are doing activities that can increase your exposure, such as lawn mowing or gardening.

Keep Indoor Air Clean
Now that you understand how you can improve your handling of allergy symptoms outdoors, let’s examine ways you can improve your indoor air for greater relief.

Seasonal allergens, such as tree and grass pollen, enter the home through windows, doorways and heating or cooling systems. Once inside the home, they can settle on surfaces but easily become disturbed by movement.

The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) recommends the following to improve indoor air quality:

• Remove shoes and change out of outdoor clothes immediately when returning indoors.
• Wipe down pets to remove any pollen or allergens that settled on their fur during their time outside.
• Vacuum once or twice a week; if cleaning triggers your allergies, wear a face mask.
• Keep windows and doors closed on high allergy days.
• Use an air purifier to keep important areas clear of allergens, such as your bedroom while you’re sleeping or your living room when you’re relaxing with family.
• Install high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters in your HVAC system. 

When to Seek Help
Many seasonal allergies can be controlled with nonprescription medications, such as antihistamines, decongestants and corticosteroid nasal sprays.

However, the San Antonio Regional Hospital recommends consulting a doctor if you’re experiencing persistent or severe allergies. In this case, you might benefit from allergy testing and immunotherapy shots, which can help you understand your exact triggers and desensitize your body to them.

If your allergies result in severe headaches, difficulty breathing or swelling of the face or throat, it’s important to contact your doctor as soon as possible, as these symptoms may indicate a more serious allergic reaction or infection. For example, people with nasal allergies commonly experience nasal congestion. When this congestion goes on for too long, bacteria trapped inside can cause a painful sinus infection. 

Seasonal allergies can be frustrating and distracting, forcing you to avoid the things and places you love. By understanding what makes your allergies worse and ways to manage them, you can improve your quality of life no matter what blooms or buds are in season. For more insights on maintaining your health, please read our other informational articles at americanbusinesscoalition.info.

Articles in this newsletter are supposed to be informative, enlightening and helpful to you. While all information contained herein is meant to be completely factual, it is always subject to change. Articles are not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Consult your doctor before starting any new wellness or exercise program.

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