As pollen begins to blanket the ground in hues of yellow, sneezing, coughing, and itchy watery eyes become more common place. Allergic reactions occur when our body’s autoimmune system is trying to fight off allergens.
Severe cases of allergies can lead to allergic rhinitis, which can in turn lead to sinus infections and headaches.
When spring starts to bloom, as much as we’ve longed for it, very few are immune to the allergic reactions induced by pollen, the otherwise lovely facilitator of spring flowers.
From family tips, to medical advice, to trial and error, we have come up with a few ways to deal with allergies that do not involve consuming massive quantities of Benadryl (although, that is still a method of last resort). Some of the following methods of dealing with spring pollen allergies may help you and your family avoid burning, itching eyes, clear mucous dipping noses, itchy noses, and other symptoms that can lead to illness.
Tips to Coping with Spring Pollen Allergies: Wear a mask outdoors
If you are allergic to pine pollen, ragweed, and grasses you will find it helps to wear a simple surgical mask, which covers your nose and mouth while you are outside. This is especially important if you are cutting grass or working outside for an extended period of time.
Grass cutting stirs up pollen and it is going to land on the hair fibers in your nose, possibly to be sucked up farther into your head. You may feel like the Master of Disguise donning a mask to go outdoors, but many people use them these days rather than suffer the consequences of pollen related allergies.
How to deal with pollen allergy: Use air purifiers
If you have never used an air purifier you may be plagued by the question of whether they work. In my family’s experience air purifiers help capture pollen, dust, and other allergens making it easier to breathe inside. The cost and size of air purifiers has dropped, so it is much easier to find one that meets your needs. One side perk of using an air purifier we have found is that it cuts down on the amount of dusting you have to do.
Capture and kill pollen allergens to combat spring allergies
In addition to using air purifiers, remember to change your air filter frequently. Air filters catch dust, dust mites, pollen, and other allergens. Air filters are cheap, making this an inexpensive way to help deal with spring allergies.
Keep the windows closed
If you are going to the trouble of trying to prevent or offset the effects of spring allergies, keep the windows closed. Sounds like common sense doesn’t it? You would be surprised how many people run air filters and even their air conditioners but open the windows to let in some fresh air. What they are really doing is letting in pollinated air.
Keep the house clean
I know. I hate that one, too. Use a cloth that picks up dust and pollen particles, rather than a dust broom that just swirls them around the room allowing them to land in a new spot. The more dust and pollen you eliminate from your house by dusting, the less allergy suffering you will have to endure.
Keep the dog clean
I didn’t change topics; I’m still talking about pollen allergens, not dog allergens. In the spring, dogs pick up pollen on their fur. Once you allow them in the house they bring in a new batch of pollen with them every time. The only way to combat this problem is keep your dog clean. When it is warm enough squirt down the dog using a water hose. Bathe and groom your pet as often as is feasible.
If you want to survive the spring allergy season and sudden downfall of pollen, it is important that you be on the allergy offensive. If these preventive tips do not help calm your allergies, consult your physician about taking Claritin, Benadryl, or other over-the-counter antihistamines.
Source:
Personal knowledge, experience, and allergy to pollen
