The arrival of spring means there are lots of flowers in bloom and pollen is floating through the air, which triggers allergies for millions of people. Seasonal allergies can cause a number of uncomfortable symptoms, such as sneezing, itchy and watery eyes, nasal congestion, sinus pressure, and others. These symptoms can make you feel miserable for weeks to months at a time. Thankfully, there are things you can do so you don’t have to suffer during allergy season. Here are some tips you can follow to help keep your seasonal allergies at bay.
1. Avoid Exposure to Allergens
In order to fight against seasonal allergies, it’s important to take some steps to avoid your exposure to allergens. If you’re allergic to certain types of pollen, check weather or news reports and avoid being outside on days pollen counts are high. Aim to do your outdoor chores after a heavy rain or when there’s little wind, as there will be less pollen circulating in the air. When you come home after being outside, change your clothes and take a shower right away to reduce your exposure to allergens on your clothes, skin, and hair.
2. Keep Your Indoor Air Free of Allergens
Try to keep outdoor allergens out of your home during allergy season if you want to reduce your seasonal allergies. On days when pollen counts are high, keep your windows and doors closed. Use HEPA air filters on your air conditioning system and change them regularly so they can efficiently filter allergens out of your indoor air. If you are allergic to mold, use a dehumidifier to remove excess moisture from the air to help mitigate the growth of spores.
3. Drink Plenty of Fluids
If you have seasonal allergies, your body creates an immune response in reaction to certain allergens. This response includes a histamine reaction to guard itself. Histamine is what causes the excess mucus in your sinuses that leads to many of your allergy symptoms. Drinking plenty of fluids can help reduce the production of histamine and allow your immune system to better react to allergens. If you develop allergy symptoms such as nasal congestion, post-nasal drip, sinus pressure, etc., staying hydrated can also help thin and loosen mucus to reduce your symptoms.
4. Do a Nasal Rinse
A nasal rinse is a popular way to prevent and treat seasonal allergies. You can use a neti pot or nasal bulb to rinse your sinuses with a saline solution. These kits usually come with packets to create a saline solution, but you can also make your own using a cup of warm, distilled water mixed with a half teaspoon of salt and a pinch of baking soda. This rinse washes allergens out of your nose, reducing your likelihood of a reaction. After you develop allergy symptoms, a nasal rinse can help reduce inflammation and flush out mucus to relieve nasal congestion and other symptoms.
5. Try Supplements
Certain vitamins and supplements can help your body fight seasonal allergies. For example, AllerAWAY is a supplement that incorporates various herbs, bioflavonoids, micronutrients, and proteolytic enzymes that help support immune imbalances and regulate overactive or distressed histamine responses. This formula includes quercetin, vitamin C, stinging nettle, bromelain, dihydroquercetin, and other active ingredients. Taking a probiotic could also help with seasonal allergies, as your immune health is closely connected to your gut health.
If you have questions about ways to treat seasonal allergies or which supplements you should be taking, please reach out to us at Midtown Express Pharmacy. Our knowledgeable pharmacy team will be happy to answer your questions and provide recommendations to help you get back to feeling your best!
