Take the Bloom Out of Your Spring Allergies

When the flowers and trees start to bloom each year, do you find your allergies springing into gear? Many people experience sneezing, runny nose, itching eyes and throat, and other allergy symptoms as the first signs of the spring season fill the warming air.

The Basics of Spring Allergies

As trees and plants begin to flower, the pollen count often climbs sky high. Couple this with the increasing humidity and changes in the air temperature that can be common at this time of year, and the situation becomes even more severe. Mold spores also multiply in the spring and can be particularly bothersome for people who're sensitive to this allergen. To further complicate the situation, the spring wind can be strong enough to pick up the pollen and other allergens in the air and help them travel great distances. This means that no matter where you live, it may be impossible to hide from your triggers.

Keep Spring Allergies Out of Your Way

While you can't stop the changing of the seasons, there are some things you can do to get some needed relief from your spring allergies.

Please review some of the following tips to help you warm to the benefits the season brings without feeling sick.

  • Check the pollen count every morning before you head out, since days when the count is high can spell trouble for you. On bad days, stay inside or at least plan your outdoor activities for early or late times of the day when the pollen won't be as bothersome.
  • Pay attention to the humidity. If it's predicted to be at the top of the scale, or if the conditions will be particularly windy, this could be a good day to stay inside.
  • Keep the outdoors from creeping in. Keep windows closed and run the air conditioning when pollen and humidity are at their peaks.
  • Wash yourself and your clothes after spending time outdoors to remove any pollen or other allergens that become trapped on you or your hair.
  • When you must go outside on windy days, wear a scarf over your mouth to keep from breathing in allergy triggers.
  • Stay away when fertilizers and pesticides are applied in your yard or your neighborhood. These can often trigger allergy symptoms.
  • Hire someone else to do a thorough lawn cleaning and remove branches and leaves that have accumulated in your flowerbeds and bushes, since these can contain mold and other particles that can make you sneeze and itch.

Take Control of Spring Allergies

In addition to making environmental changes, there're a host of different allergy medicines that you may want to consider. You can talk to your doctor about the latest treatment approaches and find out which ones will be most appropriate for your situation. Keep in mind that many of them are extremely effective and don't cause serious side effects, so they're well worth considering to help you weather the spring season.

Sources

American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI)

http://www.aaaai.org/springallergy/

http://www.aaaai.org/springallergy/2006/mold.asp

http://www.aaaai.org/Springallergy/understanding_pollen_mold.stm

Science Daily

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2000/02/000221162850.htm