Spring Has Sprung But So Has Allergy Season
Spring is the season of renewal, and for many people that means once again greeting a stuffy nose, sneezing and itchy, watery eyes. As the trees start to bloom and the pollen gets airborne, allergy sufferers begin their annual ritual of sniffling and sneezing. Otherwise known as hay fever, seasonal allergies can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, race or socioeconomic status.
When allergies strike, the body reacts to an airborne particle such as pollen or mold by releasing antibodies -- substances that normally identify and attack bacteria, viruses, and other illness-causing organisms.
The antibodies attack the allergens, which leads to the release of chemicals called histamines into the blood. Histamines trigger the runny nose, itchy eyes, and other symptoms of allergies.
Although there is no magical cure for spring allergies, there are a number of ways to combat them, from medication to household habits. You can minimize exposure to pollen during the spring and summer months by:
When allergies strike, the body reacts to an airborne particle such as pollen or mold by releasing antibodies -- substances that normally identify and attack bacteria, viruses, and other illness-causing organisms.
The antibodies attack the allergens, which leads to the release of chemicals called histamines into the blood. Histamines trigger the runny nose, itchy eyes, and other symptoms of allergies.
Although there is no magical cure for spring allergies, there are a number of ways to combat them, from medication to household habits. You can minimize exposure to pollen during the spring and summer months by:
- 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
- Drive with the windows closed and the air conditioning on when travelling
- Change clothing after being outside. Pollen can collect on clothes and in your hair. So when you’ve been outside for any significant amount of time, shower and change into fresh clothes as soon as you get home
- Avoid hanging laundry out to dry — pollen and mold collects on them. Dry clothing with a vented dryer, NOT on a clothesline outside.
- Minimize early morning activity as pollen counts are highest in the morning, usually from about 5 a.m. to 10 a.m.
- Avoid mowing the lawn and freshly cut grass.
- Avoid gardening on hot dry days when pollen can be transported easily through the air; opt for a cooler, cloudy day
- When mowing lawn or gardening, wear a filter mask.
- Wash bedding weekly in hot water.
- Keep pets off of furniture and out of the bedroom. Pollen can cling to the dog or cat after being outside.