Prepare Yourself for Spring Allergies

It’s that time of the year again. The sniffles, congestion, and red eyes are a dead giveaway: It’s allergy season. And now is the time to get prepared. Many allergy sufferers have multiple allergens but a whole lot of us are sensitive to pollen — and therefore we suffer most in the spring. Here are some solid tips on preparing for those miserable spring allergies. 

Set Up an Appointment With a Doctor

Have a regular allergist or immunologist? Great! Set up an appointment as soon as possible to go over testing and treatment options for the specific irritants in your world. An annual visit allows for stocking up on medications including inhalers, antihistamines and nasal sprays. Sometimes allergy shots are also recommended to help target specific allergens but these need months to work.

Don't have an allergist? Start with a primary care physician. They will take a close look at allergy symptoms and refer allergy sufferers to another medical provider, if necessary. 

Perform a Thorough Cleaning

But what if neither of these are an option? We've got you. Start here: Now is the time to deep clean from the inside out. A thorough cleaning is recommended to help eliminate dust and debris trapped in hidden areas and reduce irritation so the home can be a haven when allergies flare. And remember to clean those ducts! When the air conditioning unit fires up for the first time, it can stir up a lot of dormant pollen and dust that's just laying there, waiting for the blast of air to set it free and that can wreak havoc on our respiratory systems. 

Pay special attention to the carpets and furniture and other soft surfaces as these can harbor dust and their companion: dust mites. Clean thoroughly what you can and get help for things that are the worst offenders like carpets and ducts. Remember: HEPA filters are your best friends.

Nasal Irrigation May Help

Using a saline solution, a nasal irrigation system or neti pot can flush out bothersome mucus and tiny allergens. This is a great way to treat irritated mucous membranes and remedy a stuffy nose. Keep one on hand in case it's needed during allergy season. 

Some Allergy Remedies Others Swear By

• A damp, cool washcloth on the face can help sooth tired and irritated eyes;
• Cool showers can also help soothe irritated skin, eyes, and nasal passages;
• Upgrading the home's HVAC to include filters and mold-destroying tools;
• Some swear by long-term use of local honey;
• Remove offending plants from the yard to minimize exposure.

Plan Your Schedule Accordingly

When pollen counts are high, it's time to avoid outdoor activities. In spring, early morning is when pollen counts are off the charts. If there is a steady breeze, it can also stir up pollen. This can make allergy symptoms flare. Try spending time outdoors during cooler times of the day, and avoid it when days are hot and dry a dryness can irritate breathing passages and some of the worst offenders for allergies distribute their pollens best when it's hot and dry.

When we're prepared for spring allergies, we're one step ahead of the game. The goal is to keep allergies at bay and contaminants from entering our lungs and nasal passages. This helps minimize symptoms. The best spring hot spot for anyone facing Spring allergies will likely be a cool, clean environment where we can relax and unwind — so maybe we should all make sure our homes are ready to nurture us through this Spring.

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