According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, more than 50 million Americans experience various types of allergies each year, and allergies are the sixth leading cause of chronic illness in the U.S.
Although there are no special cures for springtime allergies, there are certain measures that people can take to help prevent allergy attacks and make springtime more bearable and breathable for the many sufferers around the country.
Here are some helpful tips to get you through the spring allergy season:
Avoid being outside on heavy pollen or windy days
Although it may be tempting, try to avoid going outdoors during the mid-morning to mid-afternoon hours. Typically, that is when the pollen counts are at their highest. If you must go outside, cover your mouth and nose with a mask or scarf to protect yourself from inhaling the pollen and be sure to shower, wash hair and change clothes when you return home. Oftentimes, pollen that is tracked inside from outdoors can be redistributed by ceiling fans. This can lead to pollen circulating around the house, which can further contribute to your allergy symptoms.
Remember to be mindful of your windows
Reconsider opening your windows to let fresh air in if you are allergic to pollen. However, if you’re allergic to allergens like mold and dust, keeping the windows open may help clean the air and rid your home of those irritants.
Clean to remove allergens
Try to keep your living spaces clean and dust free. Vacuuming at least twice a week and changing air filters in your vents and air conditioning units frequently during this time of year will help limit your exposure to allergens. Remember to wear a mask and gloves when cleaning, painting or vacuuming to limit your exposure to floating dust particles and chemical exposure to allergens. Although it may be time consuming, your body will thank you.
Consider stopping by your pharmacist for allergy medicine
This spring, your first lines of defense are the common over-the-counter drugs available for most allergy symptoms. To counteract the typical symptoms of congestion, sneezing and runny nose, it’s recommended to take one of the less sedating antihistamines, such as Cetirizine, fexofenadine and loratadine.
Although these medications should help relieve your symptoms, if they don’t work, it may be an indication that the medicine is not a good match for your body. If you’re still experiencing allergy-related problems, you may want to consider speaking to your allergist, who can prescribe alternative medications that last longer and are non-sedating.
Hemant Sharma, M.D., M.H.S., is the chief of the Division of Allergy and Immunology at Children’s National Health System in Washington, D.C. He is also the director of the Food Allergy Program at Children’s National. Dr. Sharma graduated from Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons in 2001 and specializes in pediatrics, allergy and immunology.
