Now that March is here, spring is only days away. With the longer days and warmer temperatures, now is the perfect time to go outside. However, if you’re one of the 100 million Americans with seasonal allergies, all the pollen from flowers, trees, and grass can make gardening, exercising, or relaxing in the backyard miserable.
Although there’s no way to prevent seasonal allergies entirely, there are plenty of things you can do to keep them from making your eyes water and nose run.
At Plainsboro Princeton Medical Associates, with offices in Plainsboro Township and Monroe, New Jersey, Aruna Chakala, MD, regularly treats seasonal allergies. Read on to discover four easy things you can do to prepare for allergy season.
Seasonal allergies are worse during spring, because it’s when most plant life, including trees, grasses, and flowers, begin to bud and bloom. These are natural processes, but they release pollen, which you can inhale, triggering symptoms like a runny nose or a tickly throat.
Climate change worsens allergies because spring starts earlier and lasts longer these days, which means that plants have a greater window to bloom, increasing the amount of pollen and other allergens in the air.
You can’t prevent plants from blooming, but you can lower the risk of severe allergy symptoms. Here’s how:
Spring allergies affect everyone differently. For example, some people sneeze anytime they’re exposed to tree or flower pollen, while others are sensitive to grass clippings or mold. If you know what substance (or substances) cause your symptoms to flare, you can take steps to avoid them.
One of the easiest ways to do this is by monitoring pollen levels either via local weather forecasts or an app like My Pollen Forecast. Checking pollen levels in the morning can help you know what to expect for the day. Even though you may not be able to avoid going outside altogether, wear an N95 mask or close the windows on days when pollen is exceptionally high.
It can also be helpful to keep a symptom journal, jotting down notes every time you notice your nose is running or there’s an increase in sneezing. However, if you’re unsure what you’re allergic to, consider an allergy consultation. We can determine what you’re allergic to and offer personalized treatment recommendations.
During the spring, allergens such as pollen and mold spores can get into your home. Because they’re microscopic and easily carried on the wind, it can be challenging to keep them out. Thankfully, a few small changes can make a big difference.
For example, pollen is like dust in that it tends to collect on surfaces. Maintaining a regular cleaning schedule can reduce the amount of allergens that build up, making it easier to breathe.
You should regularly wash your bedding, curtains, and floors, and equip your vacuums and air purifiers with HEPA filters, which can capture up to 99.7% of allergy-causing particles. If you spend any time outdoors, change your clothes when finished and take your shoes off before coming inside.
We already mentioned wearing an N95 mask on high-pollen days, but there are other ways to protect yourself from spring allergens outside. For instance, if you tend to experience watery or itchy eyes, wearing sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat can reduce the amount of pollen you come in contact with.
If you plan to exercise outside this spring, try to schedule workouts in the evenings when it’s cooler and there's typically less pollen. It’s also a good idea to keep workouts moderate or light in terms of activity. Running and other strenuous exercises can increase the amount of allergens you inhale, worsening symptoms.
Seasonal allergies can strike at any time, even if you’ve done your best to avoid them. Keeping over-the-counter (OTC) products in your purse, go-bag, or home first-aid kit can help you nip uncomfortable allergy symptoms in the bud.
The products you need depend on your symptoms, but we typically recommend buying an OTC antihistamine as well as a nasal spray or saline nasal rinse. These medications often work great in a pinch, but if your symptoms persist, don’t hesitate to reach out, as you may need a prescription-strength option for more serious flares.
If you’re already experiencing spring allergies or know you will soon, now is the perfect time to take action. To get started, call us at 609-799-5000 or request an appointment online today. After discussing your symptoms along with a physical exam and allergy testing, we can make recommendations to ease flare-ups and help you feel your best.
