March 15, 2013
Spring is a lovely season, but no one looks forward to spring allergies. Think how much relief you will feel if you are allergy-free this season! Here are a few tips to survive spring allergies.
1. Consult your allergist. This is the first thing you should do since it is important to know specifically what you are allergic to. There are medical tests that should be done to determine which allergens (pollens, pets, molds, etc.) cause your allergies. This will help your allergist to prescribe your treatment plan.
2. Take your medicines immediately. Whether you are taking oral tablets or nasal sprays start taking your allergy medications immediately after your allergist provides you with your prescription. Starting early with your treatment can help lessen the severity of your symptoms later.
3. Take your medicines regularly. Stay consistent. Take your medicines as prescribed by your allergist. Regular treatment with your medicines is better than emergency relief.
4. Consider a nasal wash. A nasal wash, also known as nasal irrigation or nasal douche, is used to flush out excess mucus and debris from the nose. This procedure is safe and beneficial with no significant side effects. Consult your allergist for this type of treatment.
5. Monitor pollen counts. Take note of the pollen count in your city by consulting the weather forecast for the day. Monitoring pollen counts from trees, grasses and weeds in your area will help you survive spring allergies. Avoiding exposure to pollens will minimize current symptoms, and stop even worse allergy attacks for the rest of the season.
6. Shut your windows. On high pollen count days, shut your windows to minimize your exposure to pollens. Also, don’t use window and attic fans to avoid pollens being transported inside your home.
7. Take a shower. If you have been outside for long hours, you should take a shower and change into fresh clothes as soon as you get home. Your clothes and hair accumulates pollens particularly during high pollen days.
8. Limit outdoor activity in the morning. Pollen counts are highest in the morning, usually from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. Avoid going outside during these hours since you can be highly exposed to pollens. If you really need to go outdoors, you can take your medicines ahead of time. However, never overdose yourself with anti-allergy pills in hopes of further reduction of symptoms.
9. Wear a face mask while you spring clean. It is important to wear a face mask as you spring clean your home. However, if you are really vulnerable to dust, ask someone to do the job.
10. See your allergist if you still suffer from spring allergy. A regular visit to your allergist is very important if you are still suffering from spring allergies despite careful avoidance to allergens. Treatments your allergist might recommend include allergy shots, other-the-counter medication, or prescription drugs.
