Springtime is here! You know what that means… it’s time that seasonal allergies start kicking in. If you suffer from seasonal allergies, you probably aren’t looking forward to this. Taking a proactive approach to battling allergies will help you make the best of this inconvenience.
The biggest secret to minimizing your seasonal allergy suffering is knowing what you’re up against.
What is a seasonal allergy? A seasonal allergy is an allergic reaction to a trigger that is typically only present for part of a year, such as spring. This type of allergy refers to a pollen allergy, such as in trees, weeds, and grasses.
What is pollen? Pollens are tiny, egg-shaped, powdery grains released from flowering plants, carried by the wind or insects, and serve to cross-pollinate other plants of the same type for reproductive purposes. When pollen is present in the air, it can land in a person's eyes, nose, lungs, and on their skin, causing an allergic reaction.
Unlike avoiding pet dander or simply not eating foods you know you have an allergy to, preventing seasonal allergies is a bit more complicated. It is much more difficult to avoid exposure to pollen, since it is present all around us
Here are 7 tips to help minimize pollen exposure:
- Keep windows closed prevent pollens from drifting into your home
- Minimize early morning activity when pollen is usually emitted between 5-10 a.m.
- Keep your car windows closed when traveling.
- Stay indoors when the pollen count is reported to be high, and on windy days when pollen may be present in higher amounts in the air
- Take a vacation during the height of the pollen season to a more pollen-free area, such as the beach or sea.
- Avoid freshly cut grass and mowing the lawn
- Machine dry bedding and clothing. Pollen may collect in laundry if it is hung outside to dry
Please use these tips to help yourself beat the seasonal allergy blues!