Tips for Surviving Spring Allergies
While many people associate spring with sunshine, flowers, and the great outdoors, does it leave you thinking primarily of itching, sneezing, and your nagging spring allergies? Fortunately, there are some proactive health tips that you can use to get the most out of what should be a wonderful time of the year.
Avoid Pollen Peaks
Anyone today can quickly track pollen levels, thanks to the internet. This information can help you avoid planning outdoor activities on days when the pollen count is at its highest. If you have to work outside, try to perform your chores at times when the pollen level is typically lower, such as around dawn or midday.
Wear a Mask
The pandemic helped get us past our reluctance to wear a mask. Conveniently, the same mask that is used to fight the spread of the virus is also an excellent tool for blocking allergens. Make it part of your springtime wardrobe, and don’t forget to clean it after each use.
Shower and Change Clothes More Frequently
You may not realize just how much pollen and other allergens you can bring into your home through your clothing. You can lower your indoor allergen count if you leave your outdoor shoes and clothing inside. You should also shower and change clothes as soon as possible after being outdoors in nature.
Lower the Indoor Humidity
With the warm weather often comes high humidity, which can spur the growth of mold, one of the most common allergens. To fight mold, lower the humidity in your home. Fortunately, one of the easiest ways to do so is by utilizing your air conditioner, which works by extracting moisture from the indoor air.
Another way to lower your humidity is to use a dehumidifier. However, make sure that you empty and clean it regularly.
Avoid steaming hot showers and baths if possible. Otherwise, wipe down your shower curtain or shower door after each use.
Inspect your roof for leaks. Molds can grow for years in the gap between your roof and ceiling.
Don’t Neglect Spring Cleaning
What causes allergies other than pollen and mold? Bed linens can harbor a large number of allergens like dust mites. Now’s the time to clean them thoroughly with hot water and a soapy disinfecting detergent.
Don’t forget to clean your drapery and rugs. Depending upon their size, you may have to have them cleaned professionally, but it will prove to be beneficial to your allergies, making the expenditure worthwhile.
Use Better Filters
You can enhance your spring cleaning if you switch to air filters that trap more allergens, such as HEPA filters. HEPA filters are available for both vacuum cleaners and HVAC systems.
Spring Back into Action
There’s no reason to miss out on spring because of allergies. It is simply a matter of taking a few practical steps to reduce your exposure to the allergens that trigger your symptoms. Wisely thinking ahead will help you get the most from the spring season.
However, if professional help is ever needed, act immediately. Get treatment at your local emergency room in Corpus Christi.
Sources:
Daphne Pierce-Smith RN MSN CCRC, Deborah Pedersen MD. “Health Encyclopedia Allergy Overview.” University of Rochester Medical Center, 2021, https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?contenttypeid=85&contentid=P09504
“Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) What is a HEPA Filter?” US Environmental Protection Agency, 3 March 2021, https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/what-hepa-filter-1
