Allergies are caused by your body’s histamines and their hypersensitivity to outside invaders. Your body’s reaction to these invaders is allergies. These may be seasonal or year-round. Common allergens include pet dander, mold, dust, ragweed, and fragrances. Spring is known for being the “allergy season” because of the spores and pollens that it brings. Allergies have symptoms that feel and appear very similar to a cold. These symptoms can include a runny nose, sinus congestion, wheezing, itchy and red or watery eyes. If you do have seasonal allergies it is difficult to completely avoid them but there are a few things you can do to keep them under control.
Speak with your doctor about getting allergy tested and let them know what tends to irritate you. Identifying these triggers will help you and your doctor come up with a plan to monitor your allergies. Furthermore, you will be able to ask for more advice and information regarding managing your allergies.
Spring cleaning can help eliminate allergens that may collect inside your house over the year and can result in higher allergy triggers. Focus on areas where allergens will accumulate inside. We recommend you vacuum carpets, change air filters, wash bedding, and dust around the house. Then try to keep windows and doors shut to keep more allergens from getting inside to provide you some relief. Addittionally, try to keep mold from growing inside. Common areas for it to grow include bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, and basements. Dehumidifiers can help reduce moisture indoors and aid in reducing mold growth.
It is recommended to take over-the-counter allergy medications before your symptoms start. Aim to take this in the morning before going outside and getting allergens in your system. It is important to stay consistent with allergy medication to ward off symptoms.
Flowering plants react to sunlight, which makes them the most active in the morning. This is when the pollen counts are the highest. By avoiding outside activities in the morning you will be able to reduce your exposure to these pollens and allergens.
When you do spend time outside make sure to change your clothes, wash your hands, and shower when possible. This will ensure the allergens aren’t staying on you and will help mitigate your symptoms and decrease the length of your symptoms.
Allergens shouldn’t stop you from being active and going outside. These tips will help mitigate your symptoms without limiting your daily activities.
For More Information Check Out the Following Resources:
5 Tips for Keeping Spring Allergens at Bay
How to Keep Allergies at Bay Before- and after-Spring Rolls In