Spring will be here before we know it! While you might be excited for the warmer weather and beautiful blossoms, spring is not without its problems—especially if you suffer from spring allergies. Here are some easy ways to protect yourself from spring allergies.
- Check the pollen count.
Tree pollen is the most common cause of spring allergies. To help you know which areas to avoid during spring allergy season, check the pollen count. Websites like that of the National Allergy Bureau and pollen.com have pollen maps where you can see the pollen count in a specific area. The Weather Channel also offers pollen forecasts, information about pollen type, and a rating for “breathing comfort.” If possible, avoid affected areas on high pollen count days. - Take a shower when you get home.
Showering as soon as you get home from being out (especially if you spent time outside) can help to wash pollen off of your skin and hair. It’s also helpful to wash your clothing right away. This helps to clean the pollen off of you and your clothing and prevents it from lingering in your home. - Clean your home regularly.
Cleaning your home on a regular basis can help to prevent allergen buildup in your home. This is important not only during allergy season but year-round. Your clothes, towels, bedding, pillowcases, rugs, and curtains are common places for pollen and dust to accumulate. You can do laundry more often and use an effective vacuum cleaner (vacuuming once a week). You may also want to consider removing any carpets in your home and replacing them with hard floors like wood or tile. This can further lower the risk of allergies in your home. - Keep the windows closed.
If you are going to the work of cleaning your home regularly, be careful not to let more pollen in by opening up the windows! Keeping the windows closed and using an air purifier with a HEPA filter will help to filter out allergens and keep the air in your home healthy. This is especially important during spring allergy season, particularly on high pollen count days. - See an allergist.
Spring allergies might not seem like a serious medical condition, but they can certainly put a damper on your day-to-day activities. Spring should be enjoyed, not suffered through! If you suffer from spring allergies, an allergist can work with you to develop an appropriate treatment plan. Your treatment plan will likely consist of preventive medications and avoidance techniques. This can help to decrease your spring allergies and allow you to enjoy yourself during this beautiful time of year!
If you would like to learn more about how you can protect yourself from spring allergies, or if you are ready to schedule an appointment with our skilled allergist, we welcome you to contact us today at West River ENT & Allergy. We look forward to caring for you!
