We often thought it would never come, but spring is finally here! After one of the harshest winters in recent history, most people are overjoyed to welcome the arrival of spring. Unfortunately, though, a shorter spring also means a harsher allergy season. Experts say that because most regoions experienced a late spring this year, they will have a higher concentration of pollen in a shorter amount of time.
This can be bad news for anyone who deals with spring allergies or hay fever! If you suffer from allergies, you’re not alone–the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America found that over 40 million Americans suffer from allergies. And the annual cost of allergies on the health care system is well over $10 billion! Plus, Americans lose millions of workdays per year because of allergies.
If the thought of constantly sneezing, blowing your nose, or dealing with a runny nose fills you with dread, there are several steps you can take to nip allergies in the bud! Although there is no cure for allergies, they can be managed with proper prevention and treatment.
So here are some steps you should take to help cope with allergies:
1. Limit Outdoor Exposure
Try to avoid exercising outside (especially early in the morning) to limit exposure to pollen. Visit the site www.pollen.com to find out what the allergy count is in your area. The site gives you pertinent information about how high or low the pollen count is in your area. It’s an invaluable resource during springtime!
It’s best to find someone else to do your yard work. If you can’t, however, there are a few steps you can take to protect yourself. First, eliminate weeds from your yard, and wear a face mask if you have to cut grass. Shower after outdoor activities to remove pollen from your body. Make sure to wash your clothes after you’ve spent an excessive amount of time outdoors. And don’t forget to keep your windows and doors closed to limit the amount of pollen that gets into your home.
2. Filter Your Air
Don’t use indoor fans, because they can stir up dust. Instead, use air conditioning, and set the AC to recirculate air. Also, make sure to clean your air conditioning vents, and change your air filters regularly. Changing your air filters on a regular basis guarantees that the air inside your home is cleaner. And because some air filters can catch up to 95% of particulates, you can substantially reduce the amount of pollen in your home simply by using the correct air filter! This is an inexpensive yet surefire way to make sure you are breathing cleaner air!
3. Take Further Action
Consider taking over-the-counter allergy medications. If they don’t help, schedule an appointment with an allergist. They will be able to recommend medicine that will help to further alleviate the symptoms.
By taking these simple steps, you’ll be able to limit the negative impact of allergies. Take action now so that you can enjoy springtime instead of dreading it!
Andrea Smith is a 30-something mother of three. As someone who suffers from allergies, she enjoys letting others know how they can find relief!