Allergy Season Management Tips
While the weather during the spring and summer months is pleasant, allergies are an unfortunate byproduct.
And there are two more factors working against you: first, allergies tend to get worse with age; second, the allergens are also getting worse—pollen season lasts around 30 days longer than it did 30 years ago and green things are producing around 20% more pollen too.
In order to combat these more difficult allergic reactions, Centers Health Care has five factors to consider to help reduce the impact allergies have on your life.
- Start Medications Early and Be Consistent
If you need medication to control your allergies, start taking it around 3-4 weeks before you typically experience symptoms. This can include a daily antihistamine (Claritin and Allegra are good ones to start with because they are non-drowsy) and a nasal steroid spray (Flonase, Nasacort). If you get a spray, be sure not to use Afrin because it is not meant to use daily.
- Don’t Let Your Guard Down When the Weather Gets Cold
Pollen is typically in the air in this area until well after October, and it can linger in the winter months too, so don’t stop taking medication too early if you’re treating symptoms during the spring and summer.
- Get Those Masks Back Out
We were used to wearing masks routinely during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, but they can come in handy when doing yardwork or gardening. You should also take your medicine before going outside to keep the risk of a reaction down.
- Check Pollen Count
Most weathercasts and apps will tell you when the pollen count is high, which typically occurs on windy and warm days. Pollen release also tends to not be as strong from around 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Don’t Track It Indoors
If you’re coming back from being outside, especially if doing gardening or yard work where pollen could be flying around, be sure to change your clothes, and you may even want to shower and wash your hair. Changing your air filters monthly, washing pet bedding frequently, and getting allergy-protecting covers for your pillows and mattresses all help as well.
