Prepare for Allergy Season: Tips for Managing Symptoms Before They Start
Spring is almost here! The days are getting longer, the weather’s getting warmer, and the plants are blooming once again.
Unfortunately, the signs of spring can be a nightmare for people with seasonal allergies. In fact, spring is one of the worst times of year for allergies. Tree pollen is abundant, and grasses are starting to pollinate, too. Worse, spring’s rainy weather can sometimes lead to an increase in mold allergens.
While winter’s cooler temperatures may have given you a respite from allergies, there are some simple steps you can take to ensure you can actually enjoy the transition into spring.
Start Preparing for Allergy Season Now
Don’t wait until your symptoms are peaking to start combating seasonal allergies. One thing we’d suggest is to make your house as allergy-proof as possible. Ensure you’re using a high-efficiency HVAC filter and that you’re keeping to a regular maintenance schedule. You can also invest in a portable HEPA filter in your bedroom, which will further purify your air. Finally, try to keep the humidity in your house to a minimum using a dehumidifier.
The next thing we’d suggest is reviewing your stock of allergy medications. If anything has expired, toss it–and don’t forget to buy replacements. You want to have medication on hand so you can start taking it at the first hint of allergy symptoms (such as a stuffy nose or itchy, watery eyes). That way, you can start controlling inflammation before it gets out of control.
Finally, if you don’t have a preferred way to check the pollen count, find one now! Several phone apps will alert you to high pollen counts in your allergies and let you track your symptoms, helping you pinpoint which allergens give you the most trouble.
Avoiding Allergens when Allergy Season is in Full Swing
Of course, avoiding allergens as much as possible once the season has started is also essential. This is one reason we suggest having a go-to way of tracking the pollen count each day. Keeping track of pollen levels will let you know if you need to take extra precautions. One particularly helpful tip is proactively taking allergy medication on high-pollen days before your symptoms appear.
Here are some other practical tips for avoiding allergens:
- Keep the windows shut and use the AC in your house and car.
- Avoid going outside in the morning and early afternoon (when allergens are at their peak).
- Check the pollen count before doing yard work or other outdoor activities. If it’s a dry, windy day with high pollen counts? You’re better off waiting. If you absolutely must be out in the pollen, wear a mask.
- Change your clothes and rinse off in the shower after being outside.
Get Out and Smell the Roses–Without Sneezing
The team at Pro-Active Physical Therapy knows how awful seasonal allergies can be. But by keeping your house well-filtered and tracking pollen counts, you can generally manage your symptoms with over-the-counter remedies. And that makes it so much easier to enjoy the beautiful spring weather!