Although spring plants and flowers bring beauty and color, the warmer weather also brings allergies. This year’s allergy season is also said to be one of the worst in recent years due to winter’s heavy rain and snow making pollen more potent and also the extended cold temperatures delaying the traditional tree pollination season.
These factors and more have combined to create what many are calling the “pollen vortex” or “pollen tsunami.” The most common allergy triggers are: tree, grass and weed pollen; mold spores; dust mite and cockroach allergens; and cat, dog and rodent dander.
No matter what causes you to sneeze, the good news is that there are strategies to bring relief. Following are a few ways you can find comfort.
Determine if it’s really allergies
A sudden swing from cool to warm weather can make it hard to tell an allergic reaction from a cold or virus, particularly if you usually don’t get seasonal allergies. Suspect allergies if your congestion lasts for more than two weeks; if your nose, eyes, and top of mouth itch; if your mucus is clear and thin; or if your symptoms worsen after exposure to triggers such as spending a day in the park.
Treat allergies early
In large sections of the country pollen starts filling the air as soon as the weather warms up just enough for the trees to begin budding. This means taking medication in mid-to-late February and not when you feel your symptoms coming on.
Know your meds
The three main kinds of over-the-counter (OTC) medications are: topical nasal sprays, inhaled corticosteroids and antihistamines; oral antihistamines; and decongestants. If your symptoms are not controlled using one of these medications, consider switching brands periodically.
Control your environment
You don’t want to remain indoors on a beautiful day because of allergies. But if you’re going to be outside, consider wearing a protective allergy face mask for tasks such as mowing the grass, raking leaves or washing the car. You can also keep an eye on pollen counts and plan outdoor activities for times when the pollen count is low. While indoors, make sure your home has good circulation. When you’re driving, keep the car windows shut.
Kick off your shoes, clothes when you get home
Don’t drag allergens into and throughout your home where they’ll continue to cause symptoms to act up. Remove your shoes outside the door and throw clothes in the hamper and change into something else. Shower at night to wash off any lingering pollen from your body and hair before getting into bed.
See an allergist
If the latest batch of OTC antihistamines in your medicine cabinet isn’t doing the trick, a visit to an allergist can bring relief. An allergist will help you determine precisely what you’re allergic to by discussing your symptoms and doing skin tests, which involve exposing you to a small amount of an allergen through a skin abrasion to see if you react. Allergists can also test for antibodies in your blood that can signal the presence of allergies.
Sources: Webmd.com; everydayhealth.com.
