The days are longer. The air is getting warmer. Your eyes are watering and you’re completely congested. Spring is definitely here!
You do not have to suffer needlessly through seasonal allergies, though. There are several treatment and prevention options that can help you enjoy the beauty of the Huntsville Botanical Garden without constantly needing to reach for a packet of tissues.
Pollen is a Major Seasonal Allergy Trigger
If you have seasonal allergies or hay fever, there’s a good chance you are allergic to pollen. Most of the pollen that causes allergic reactions comes from trees, grasses, and weeds.
While it’s extremely difficult to avoid pollen completely, you can take steps to reduce your exposure and minimize your allergy symptoms, including:
- Take your allergy medications before your symptoms begin.
- Check your local pollen counts and limit your outdoor activities when pollen counts are high.
- Keep windows closed during pollen season or when levels are especially high.
- Use air conditioning or HEPA filtration to reduce indoor airborne allergens.
- Wear sunglasses and a hat when going outside to help keep pollen out of your eyes and off your hair.
- Immediately change and wash any clothes that were worn while outside.
- Shower before going to bed to remove pollen from your body and keep it from your bed.
- Wash your bedding in hot, soapy water once a week.
- Regularly wipe down or bathe any pets that spend time outdoors.
- Don’t hang your clothes out to dry outside.
Visit an Allergist for Troublesome Spring Allergies
If your allergy symptoms are still bothersome after taking preventative measures and trying over-the-counter medications, it may be time to visit an allergist. They can perform allergy testing via skin prick and/or blood tests to confirm your triggers, which helps you know exactly what to avoid. They can also prescribe stronger medication to help better manage your symptoms.
If your pollen allergy does not respond to other medical treatments, you may find relief from immunotherapy. This is a method of building tolerance to an allergen by introducing it to the body in small doses over a period of time, usually several years.
If you are looking for relief from your springtime allergies, call North Alabama ENT Associates today to schedule an appointment with one of our experts.