Ways to Beat Your Seasonal Allergies This Spring

Ways to Beat Your Seasonal Allergies This Spring

As spring quickly approaches, so does allergy season. Allergies can be not only annoying but debilitating at times because they may affect day-to-day activities. Symptoms of allergies can vary but most commonly include:

• Itchy eyes
• Runny nose
• Sneezing
• Congestion

So how can you prepare for allergy season and reduce your symptoms? Here are a few ways to help beat your allergies this spring.

Avoid Triggers

While it can be difficult to avoid allergens altogether, there are some common triggers of allergies one can steer clear of. Some common spring allergy triggers include:

• Pollen
• Fescue grass
• Bermuda grass
• Oak trees
• Maple trees

These are just a few of the common culprits of seasonal allergies. Other factors which may trigger allergy symptoms could be airborne pollen on a breezy-day, or dust mites in the air from cleaning the house. Avoiding these triggers as much as possible can help reduce or even eliminate seasonal allergy symptoms.

Medications

While it would be ideal to avoid all the triggers of seasonal allergies, for most people this is an unrealistic solution. Luckily, there are many medications which combat allergy symptoms. Common over-the-counter medications include:

• Antihistamines: help reduce symptoms such as sneezing, itching, and runny nose
• Decongestants: can relieve congestion and swelling
• Nasal Sprays: can help relieve congestion and decrease inflammation
• Eye Drops: relieve watery, itchy eyes

In more severe cases, other treatment methods such as immunotherapy or prescription medications may be necessary to treat your allergy symptoms. Talk to your doctor about your seasonal allergies to find the best solution for you.

Other Tips and Tricks

While avoiding the triggers and using medications should help curb your allergy symptoms during this season, here are a few more tips and tricks which may prove to make a difference:

• Dust and vacuum regularly: dust, mold, and pollen can easily become trapped in carpets or settle onto your shelves, so dusting and vacuum once or twice a week can help reduce your exposure to these allergens.
• Wash your hair after going outside: Especially on a breezy day, it is easy for pollen or other allergens to get trapped in your hair. By washing your hair after coming in from outside you can remove these triggers and reduce your symptoms.
• Keep your doors and windows closed: Having windows and doors open during the springtime may seem like a nice way to get some fresh air, but it allows pollen and other air pollutants to enter your home and settle into the carpet or on other surfaces making your allergy symptoms worse.
• Change your air filter: Most allergens are carried in the air, so changing out your air filter regularly can help reduce air pollutants significantly. It may also be beneficial to invest in an air purifier to further remove allergens that may be floating around your home.
• Check pollen counts: Before going outside, check pollen counts in your area. If pollen counts are particularly high, it may be best to stay indoors or take your allergy medication before going outside. Pollen counts for the Lynchburg area can be found here.

If you have any questions or concerns about seasonal allergies, we are here to help! Schedule an appointment with one of our providers today to find solutions that are right for you.