While we look forward to springtime, we often overlook one consequence: allergies. No one wants to be sniffing and sneezing on a beautiful day outside. While allergies are a pain, they are not uncommon. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, more than 50 million Americans experience allergies each year. There are a variety of reasons people’s allergies act up in the spring, from pollen, trees, and grass, to the dust that is moved around when spring cleaning.
There are a few common symptoms of spring allergies. If you are allergic to anything like pollen or other outside factors, you might suffer from sneezing, stuffy or runny nose, watery eyes, or itchy nose, eyes, or the roof of the mouth. The symptoms of allergies look different for everyone. While there is no cure for allergies, there are ways to manage your symptoms to make springtime more enjoyable.
How to Manage Your Allergies
As we age, it is a good idea to see an allergist to help you treat your allergies. Untaken care of allergies can cause other issues within our bodies at an older age. Allergists can suggest medicines like antihistamines, nasal corticosteroid sprays, and immunotherapy like allergy shots or tablets for your specific allergy. It is essential to always consult your doctor before starting new allergy medications.
If pollen is your primary concern in the springtime, you should make sure to check the pollen forecast each day and prepare beforehand by taking allergy medication before going out for the day. When pollen counts are high, try to stay indoors as much as possible and keep your doors and windows closed to keep allergens out. If you have to go outdoors, make sure to take your shoes off when you enter, change your clothes, and wash your hair before bed to ensure that the pollen does not continue to make your allergies act up. Keeping up with home maintenance like cleaning your air filters and vacuuming will also lessen the impact of pollen.
Prepare for allergy season this year and equip yourself with the right allergy medicines. By prepping for the season, you can ensure that you enjoy springtime and the warm weather that comes with it. Don’t let outdoor allergens keep you from doing your favorite springtime activities and take proactive steps to minimize the impacts of your allergies. If you think you might be developing new allergies, contact your primary care physician today to get an allergy test. By finding out the specific allergy, you can identify the best route of treatment for you.