Combating Seasonal Allergies

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Combating Seasonal Allergies The spring/summer season is the time of year that many begin their battle with seasonal allergies. As flowers and trees begin to blossom, so do their counterparts, like pollen, ragweed, and mold.

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According to WebMD, 35 million Americans suffer from hay fever, which causes sinus pressure, a runny nose, and other uncomfortable symptoms.

While some allergies are difficult to diagnose, there are ways to make sure you don’t suffer year after year.

Most often, doctors subscribe over-the-counter medications, like antihistamines, decongestants, and nasal sprays, which can relieve symptoms quickly and painlessly.

With those who suffer from severe allergies, tests can be done to determine what exactly a person is allergic to, to help develop the best possible treatment.

Unfortunately, there isn’t a treatment that is a ‘cure-all’ solution; however, WebMD has a few tips to keep in mind, to help ease the suffering of those uncomfortable and sometimes painful symptoms of seasonal allergies:

When the pollen count is high, try to stay indoors. During the morning hours, pollen counts are typically at their highest, so try to limit your time outdoors during that time, if at all possible.

To keep allergens from coming indoors, try to keep your doors and windows closed during the spring months. While this might not be an ideal solution, consider an air purifier as well, to keep the air crisp and clear of any allergens that might sneak in.

Pollen can collect in the smallest crevices, so try to clean your air filters as often as possible. Dust bookshelves, vents, and any other places where you think pollen could be lurking.

After being outdoors, it’s a good idea to wash your hair, as pollen can collect there as well.

Try to vacuum your floors at least twice a week. Wear a mask when doing so, as trapped pollen, dust, and mold can enter the air.

Other Resources:

Allergy Treatment Guide

KeepKidsHealthy.com provides you with tools to help your child if they suffer from seasonal allergies. Read more about how allergies are diagnosed in children and what you can do to provide treatment.

Natural Remedies for Seasonal Allergy Relief

Learn more about various natural remedies proven to help treat seasonal allergies.

MayoClinic.com – Hay Fever

Also called allergic rhinitis, it brings on some of the most common allergic reactions, including a runny nose, itchy eyes, and sinus pressure. Read more about what you can do to provide relief and how you can prevent the uncomfortable symptoms.

Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America – Ragweed Allergy

Learn all about the ragweed allergy, the causes, the symptoms, and the cures.

HealthyPet.com - American Animal Hospital Association

Pets can suffer from allergies too. Get helpful tips to provide care and treatment for your furry friends, straight from the experts at the American Animal Hospital Association.

Cover up. - When you are out in the sun, wear clothing to protect as much skin as possible.

Use a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher

Wear a hat. - A hat with at least a 2 to 3-inch brim all around is ideal because it protects areas often exposed to the sun.

Wear sunglasses that block UV rays.

Limit direct sun exposure as much as possible during peak UV radiation hours between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

Avoid tanning beds and sunlamps.

Select cosmetic products and contact lenses that offer UV protection.

Protect children from the sun. - Babies younger than 6 months should be kept out of direct sunlight and protected from the sun using hats and protective clothing.

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