Spring is upon us, and if you have seasonal allergies, you may be less
excited about that than most. After all, what fun is finally freeing
your face from that scarf if you’re just going to bury it in a tissue?
It’s no fun at all, but allergies don’t have to make you miserable.
“The key to surviving spring allergies is knowing what triggers your
symptoms,” said allergist James Sublett, MD, president of the American
College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI). “Because there can be
millions of pollen particles in the air, finding allergy relief can
seem nearly impossible for some. But by knowing what triggers your
allergy symptoms, and how to avoid these allergens, you can be on your
way to a sneeze-free season.
Here are tips from ACAAI to help you find relief and enjoy spring:
- The feel of cotton: For allergy suffers, not all clothing
materials are created equal. Research shows that when synthetic fabrics
rub against one another, they create an electrical charge that attracts
pollen, which, as it turns out, is also electrically charged. Natural
fibers such as cotton also breathe better, so they stay drier and less
hospitable to moisture-loving mold. - Adjust your workout routine: After months indoors, you can’t
wait to exercise outside. However, exercising causes you to breathe more
deeply and inhale the pollen that affects your allergy symptoms. If
you’re planning a vigorous workout, try to stay indoors and if you’re
planning on taking a casual walk, take a non-drowsy antihistamine before
you go. Exercise outdoors when pollen counts are at their lowest —
before dawn and in the late afternoon or early evening. - Garden smart: Think your spring allergies are going to force you
to quit gardening? Think again. Taking an antihistamine about half an
hour before you head outside will help. You should also wear gloves and a
NIOSH-rated 95 filter mask if your tasks including digging in the dirt,
which can stir up pollen. Avoid touching your eyes, and be sure to wash
your hands, hair, and clothing once you go back indoors. - Take something a little stronger: Over the counter intranasal
steroids (nasal sprays) as well as non-drowsy antihistamines and
decongestants can be beneficial for those suffering from mild allergies.
However, people suffering from more severe allergies will benefit from
seeing an allergist. “An allergist will help you develop an action plan
with ways to avoid allergy triggers and determine what treatment is best
for your individual needs,” says Dr. Sublett. Many severe allergy
sufferers find relief in immunotherapy — allergy shots that help the
body build resistance to the effects of the allergen. While there is no
cure for the more than 50 million Americans suffering from allergies,
immunotherapy is known to modify and prevent disease progression. - Eliminate uninvited guests: You can make your spring allergies
more bearable by limiting your exposure to indoor allergens. Vacuum your
furniture, leave your shoes by the door, shower frequently, cover your
floors with washable throw rugs and use a dehumidifier to limit your
mold exposure. All of these steps will help, and look for a good air
purifier with a HEPA filter.
Spring allergies are a fact of life, but you don’t have to let them
dictate yours. Employ the tips above, and you’ll be able to enjoy the
warmer weather without constantly reaching for a tissue. To learn more
about how to relieve your seasonal allergy symptoms, visit AllergyandAsthmaRelief.org.
Content by Brandpoint
Photo credit: vossphotography/iStock