Spring is here! The sun is shining, the flowers are blooming, and…your allergy symptoms are acting up again. Unfortunately, seasonal allergies commonly flare up in the spring, as pollen is released by newly sprouted plants and the body overreacts by releasing histamines into the blood, causing a runny nose, itchy eyes, congestion, and other uncomfortable symptoms. While there is no cure for these allergies, there are several ways to prevent and ease spring allergy symptoms:
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1. Monitor daily pollen counts
While not the only allergen out there, pollen is one of the most common springtime allergy and asthma triggers. A powder released from plants into the air for the purpose of fertilizing other plants, pollen is, unfortunately, everywhere in the spring. However, the amount of pollen in the air can be counted. By placing silicone, grease-coated clear rods outside at regular intervals and then examining them for pollen grains, scientists can calculate and estimate the number of pollen grains in the air and put the count into terms of a low, moderate, or high pollen count. The higher the level, the more likely you are to experience an allergic reaction. There are several apps you can use to monitor pollen counts for your area. While there is nothing you can do about a high pollen count, it is good to be aware of it so you can take further steps to reduce your exposure and ease your symptoms.
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2. Protect your eyes
Itchy eyes are generally caused by allergens getting into and irritating your eyes, causing them to release histamine and other chemicals. Therefore, if you must go outside during high-pollen days, wearing glasses or sunglasses can help keep allergens out of your eyes. Moreover, if you do experience some symptoms, you can use over-the-counter artificial tears, decongestant eye drops, or oral antihistamines for relief. You can also speak to an allergist to get prescription eye drops, which can be decongestants, antihistamines, mast cell stabilizers, corticosteroids, or NSAIDs, depending on your needs.
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3. Wash your hands and shower after spending time outdoors
Unfortunately, allergens, especially pollen, can often stick to your skin, hair, and clothes, meaning that you can bring your allergens home with you. As such, it is important to wash your hands and shower, either when you arrive home or in the evenings, to wash off the allergens and reduce exposure. Note, however, that waiting until morning to wash means you will be exposed to the allergens on your skin longer, making the reaction worse.
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4. Keep pollen out by shutting windows and doors on high pollen days
As you may have noticed by now, the best way to avoid and ease allergy symptoms is to reduce exposure to pollen and allergens as much as possible. As such, when there is a high pollen count outside, it is important to keep those grains from getting the inside. The easiest way to do this is to keep doors and windows shut.
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5. Use a portable high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter in your home
Despite your best efforts—even if you don’t leave the house and keep your home tightly sealed—pollen and other allergens can still get into your home. HEPA filters, which work by filtering allergens out of the air using a fine mesh, can be found in most air purifiers. These filters generally only work to filter the air in one room, so be sure to place it in the room where you spend most of your time, such as the bedroom.
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6. Talk to your doctor about allergy medicines
If all of your attempts to prevent exposure fail and you develop symptoms, there are a variety of medications in various forms that you can use to find relief, both over the counter and by prescription. Antihistamines work to block histamine, cutting off your reaction at the source. Decongestants, on the other hand, offer more fast-acting relief for congestion, while corticosteroids reduce inflammation. If over the counter medication proves ineffective, try talking to your doctor—they can prescribe specific treatments to meet your needs, such as immuology or allergy shots for more serious or chronic symptoms.
