Roughly one-quarter of adults and one-fifth of kids in the United States suffer from seasonal allergies, with symptoms like runny nose, coughing, sneezing, and watery or itchy eyes. While seasonal allergies can be especially problematic during the warm months of the year, you can take some steps to reduce your discomfort.
At our allergy clinic, ENT Specialists specializes in treating all sorts of allergies, including nagging seasonal allergies, that can detract from your summer fun. In this post, our team offers 10 ways to enjoy the great outdoors while keeping your allergy symptoms in check.
Many people with allergies find their symptoms flare up when exposed to specific triggers. Seasonal allergy triggers often involve pollen or mold, but your triggers can differ. Keeping track of the triggers that cause your allergy symptoms to flare up can help you take steps to avoid them in the future.
Since pollen is a common cause of seasonal allergy symptoms, it makes sense to avoid being outside on days when the pollen count is high. You can check the pollen count for your area by visiting the Pollen.com website, The Weather Channel website or another pollen count website.
Be sure to change your HVAC filter regularly during the warm months of the year, and if you use window units, wash those filters every week. Consider using an air purifier featuring a HEPA filter to rid your home of tiny airborne particles, particularly in your bedroom or other areas of your home that you use frequently.
Fresh air feels great, especially after months of keeping your windows closed. But outdoor air carries a lot of pollen and mold spores, potential triggers for your seasonal allergies. Keep windows closed on days with a high pollen count or anytime your neighbors are mowing or doing other yardwork that can release spores into the air.
In addition to keeping your windows closed, it’s a good idea to limit your outdoor activities on days when the pollen count is high. Pollen counts tend to be highest in the afternoon and evening, so if you must be outdoors, try to limit exposure during those hours.
Pollen and mold spores are airborne, and while you’re outside, they can cling to your clothing and skin. When you come indoors, take a shower, change clothes, and put your worn clothes in the washer to reduce contact with pollen and avoid tracking it indoors.
If yard work is on your to-do list, try wearing a mask to avoid breathing in airborne particles that can trigger your symptoms. Sunglasses can help prevent eye-related symptoms, like itching, watering, and burning.
Saline nasal sprays help wash away allergens lodged in your nasal cavity. Use only as directed, and avoid neti pots or use with caution to prevent potentially life-threatening infections.
Over-the-counter allergy medications help block histamine reactions that cause a lot of allergy symptoms. Decongestant products help avoid nasal congestion, coughing, and sneezing. Before taking any allergy medicine, talk to your doctor to prevent complications, particularly if you have a heart condition or other chronic medical problem.
When conservative preventive measures don’t provide adequate relief for your seasonal allergy symptoms, immunotherapy could be a good solution. Immunotherapy uses tiny “doses” of allergens to help you develop an immunity to their effects. Our team is skilled in custom therapies focused specifically on your needs.
Don’t let allergies make you feel miserable. To learn more about therapies that can help, request an appointment online or over the phone with the team at ENT Specialists in Salt Lake City, Murray, Draper, and Tooele, Utah, today.
