If pollen allergies make you feel miserable every year, know that you’re not alone. According to the AAFA statistics, more than 50 million Americans suffer from allergies of some kind. Pollen and other seasonal allergies can only be controlled by nature. However, you can take several steps to minimize the effects of pollen and other seasonal allergies.
There are three major types of pollen that cause allergies for people in America. They come from weeds, trees, and grass. Each type of pollen Is the most potent in a different season, and that is why they are called seasonal allergies. These are the timelines for the most common pollen seasons that occur in America.
- Tree pollen from flowers spreads in spring from March to June.
- June to August is the time for grass pollen, which can extend up to September during a warm year.
- Weed allergies are rampant from August till the end of October.
- Winters are usually a time of relief from seasonal allergies unless you live in the south. Texas and Oklahoma are known for Cedar fever that occurs when cedar trees release their pollen in the cold.
These are some ways that can help you manage your allergies this spring.
Stay Indoors When It Is Warm and Windy
Pollen counts tend to be higher on warm and windy days. You can try using a weather app like ClimaCell to know the temperature and wind details for the entire day before leaving your house. The ClimaCell app also shows the pollen spread for micro-locations, so you can check the count at your destination before you travel.
If you do not use a smartphone, you can check here before leaving home for your destination. Pollen counts are usually higher early in the morning and then again at night. So try to schedule your outdoor visits in the middle of the day.
Know Your Allergies and Manage Them Accordingly
You must know what you are allergic to so that you can take appropriate action. Some people visit doctors and tell them that they are allergic to pets. However, when the doctors perform a skin test, they find out that the patients are allergic to some form of pollen that their pets are bringing in the home on the fur.
Medical practitioners also say that monitoring the pollen count every day is not sufficient on its own. If the patient is not aware of what they are allergic to, it might be difficult to limit their exposure.
People end up planting oak trees in their yards without knowing about their allergy to it. Oak pollen has a tendency to fly everywhere in the season, which makes it extremely difficult to avoid it.
Get Started on Your Medical Regimen Early
If you know about your seasonal allergies you experience every year, it is best to start your medication a month in advance. Your medicines will have a better chance to get into your biological system before the season begins and will provide better relief.
Seal Your Doors and Windows
We understand how tempting it can be to let in the crisp spring air to your house. But if you suffer from spring season allergies, do yourself a favor and resist that temptation. In fact, you should take additional steps to make sure that your doors and windows seal properly. Caulking is one of the easiest ways to ensure that outside air does not bring pollen into your home.
Keep Your Home Clean During Allergy Season
Taking extra cleaning measures can help you prevent allergy attacks in the spring. So make sure that you vacuum your couch and bedside areas every day during allergy season. Pollen can also stick to your clothes or hair when you go outside.
So make sure that you take a shower every night before going to bed in the spring season. Also, make sure that you wash any clothes you were wearing while you were outside your house. You can try using an air purifier in your bedroom during allergy season.
Prepare Yourself if You Have to Stay Outdoors
Take adequate precautions if you have to take part in an activity that will require you to stay outdoors. For example, you may have to take your kids to play, rake leaves, or mow the lawn. You should make sure that you wear a pollen mask before you step out of your house.
You can also take an antihistamine before indulging in any outdoor activities during allergy season. If you have to take your pet out for a walk, make sure you clean its fur thoroughly before bringing it inside. You should also wash your hands thoroughly after you touch your pet while you are outside.
If you do not take adequate measures to manage your allergies, it might turn into asthma, bronchitis, sinus infection, or some other form of respiratory illness. Make sure that you visit a medical practitioner if you find yourself unresponsive to self-care. They will be able to prepare a tailored plan for your treatment.
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