Achoo! Allergies are alarming during peak pollen season. Sniffles,
snorts, stuffy noses and sometimes subsequent sinus infections can make the
warm weather hardly a picnic for those affected by seasonal allergies.
1. Check pollen counts daily.
Several organizations offer allergy forecasts for specific
regions. Look up your own area on AAAAI’s National
Allergy Bureau, Pollen.com,
Weather.com ,
and other informative sites. If the allergy counts skyrocket on a given day,
consider making indoor plans for your health and comfort.
2. Close the windows
at home.
Sure, it can be costly to run the air conditioning all
spring and summer, but open windows issue invitations to airborne allergens.
3. Replace air conditioning
and furnace filters.
Find hypoallergenic filters for your home heating and air
conditioning units. An indoor air quality attachment may be a worthy
investment, if you or family members have allergies. Some attachments even add
moisture to the air inside the home, which can help with congestion and other
allergy-related respiratory symptoms.
Consider using a humidifier, at least overnight, if
allergies cause sinus congestion or a cough.
.
.
4. Cover pillows and
mattresses.
Anti-allergen pillow and mattress covers are bonuses to
those who need them. Dust, mites, and mold can build up inside bedding. The
extra layer offers protection.
5. Banish pets from
beds.
Even those without pet or pet dander allergies may want to
keep animals off beds and upholstered furniture during allergy season. Think
about it. Have furry friends been rolling around outside?
6. Take an antihistamine.
Over-the-counter allergy medications can prevent flare-ups.
In severe cases, prescription allergy drugs or even allergy shots may be
needed. Beware of overuse of allergy drops, which can cause rebound symptoms.
.
.
7. Put hair up.
Airborne pollen, dust and other allergens are likely to
collect in long, free-flowing locks. Prevent this by tying hair up, pinning it
back, or wearing a scarf or hat outdoors.
8. Sport sunglasses.
Shades are super for stopping pollen and particles from
entering the eyes. Also, direct sunlight tends to be uncomfortable to allergy
sufferers’ eyes. Protective sunglasses are great.
9. Cover your face
for outdoor exercise.
Allergies may rile runners, trip up joggers, and harass
horticulturalists. A simple cotton bandanna or kerchief can keep pollen and
dust from entering the nose and mouth. Some folks prefer to retain and use disposable
medical masks, such as those offered freely in hospital lobbies and hallways.
10. Enjoy outdoor
activity when weather cooperates with allergies.
Strong winds send allergens flying all around, but a fresh
rain brings them down. Allergy sufferers tend to prefer bicycling, power
walking, running, gardening, or even picnicking after a rainstorm. The air is
fresh and clean at such times.
11. Run the air
conditioning on the road.
It’s fun to drive fast with the car windows down and the
music cranked in warm weather. However, any allergic person may cry foul. When
pollen counts run high, it’s safer to roll up those windows and enjoy the
recirculation of cool air instead.
12. Shower before bed.
A few simple steps can make a huge difference in improving
the entire season by reducing allergies’ effects.
And that’s nothing to
sneeze at, so to speak.
.
.
Related Items:
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- Spring Allergy Sufferers: Don't Let Seasonal Allergies Ruin the Spring Season
- Facebook etiquette: Is it rude to reveal loved ones' health concerns?
- Is Your Toothbrush Making You Sick?
Image/s:
Pollen in Flower
Public Domain/Wikipedia
Commons Photos
Sneeze by McFarlandMo
Creative Commons Licensing/Wikipedia
Commons Photos
.
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