Coping With Seasonal Allergies

Allergy sufferers around the globe long for the winter months when seasonal allergies disappear. 50 million Americans suffer with allergies. Unfortunately even if you don’t have an allergy now, allergies can develop at any time.

Seasonal allergies start in March and run through until the first freeze here in America. Depending on your allergy you will have symptoms in Spring, Summer and or Fall. Some people suffer all three seasons.

Any substance in the environment that causes an allergic reaction is known as an allergen. Different types of pollen can cause trouble in the spring, summer and fall.

Spring – Tree Pollen – March thru April
Summer – Grass Pollen – June and July
Fall – Weed Pollen & Mold – August thru October

Not all types of pollen affect all people. If you are lucky you may only suffer one time each year.

Wind can also affect pollen counts and increase symptoms. A windy warm day and pollen counts will increase. Airborne allergens become grounded when there is no wind.

Symptoms Of Seasonal Allergies

Sneezing, runny nose, itch nose, plugged nose
Scratchy throat
Plugged ears
Facial pain
Headache
Water eyes, red eyes or itchy eyes

Seasonal Allergy Coping Tips

Stay inside. The pollen from trees, grass and weeds blows with the wind. You will limit exposure by staying inside.

Keep your house windows closed. By keeping your windows close you can maintain air quality through your furnace or air conditioner. You may want to consider an allergen filter for your furnace to trap any pollen before it enters the house.

Change your clothes when coming in from outside. Your garments can trap pollen. When you return to your home that trapped pollen is now inside the house. Just make a quick change and keep that pollen from invading your interior space.

Machine wash and dry bedding a clothes. Do not hang your sheets or clothes on a line outside to dry. The pollen in the wind will attach to the fabric.

Wash your hair often especially after outdoor activities. Your hair can also trap pollen. Then it can spread to the pillows where you sleep.

Avoid mowing your lawn. If you are allergic to grass pollens mowing the lawn can be painful. You might want to consider a lawn service to lessen symptoms.

Roll up your car windows. Gas is expensive right now and running the car air conditioner cuts into gas mileage but open windows are going to increase your exposure to pollens.

Wear sunglasses. Even something as simple as wearing sunglasses can limit the pollen exposure to your eyes.

Moving to another climate does not usually help with seasonal allergies. You will probably just discover you are allergic to a whole bunch of other allergens.

When to See Your Doctor

If you can’t find relief with coping tips and over the counter medications it is time to see your doctor. You need to rule out if you have complications to your allergies with nasal polyps, asthma or frequent sinus infections.