Spring is a beautiful time of year. The air is warmer, the sun shines brighter, and flowers begin to bloom in gardens across the world.
However, spring also comes with its share of unpleasantries such as allergies. Whether you're dealing with seasonal allergies or have been diagnosed with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), it can be difficult to maintain your quality of life during these months. Here are some tips for alleviating seasonal allergies and CRS.
Anti-allergy tips
Take precautions when the pollen count is high
If you're a spring allergy sufferer, it's important that you check the news for pollen forecasts. When the forecast calls for high pollen counts, it may be best to start off by taking your allergy medication in order to prevent the onset of symptoms.
In addition, keep windows and doors closed as much as possible while at home. If possible, avoid stepping outside early in the morning; this is when pollen counts tend to be highest and most likely to trigger an allergic reaction in those who are sensitive.
Maintain the cleanliness of indoor air
The first step to maintaining indoor air quality is to use a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter. This will ensure that you're removing all of the pollen from your house, which can be especially helpful if you have allergies or asthma that flare up during springtime.
If possible, keep the humidity levels indoors low by running a dehumidifier in rooms where people spend most of their time, such as bedrooms and living rooms. Keep heating systems regularly maintained and use high-efficiency filters on them; this includes furnaces and central air conditioners as well as heaters used for individual rooms (like portable space heaters).
Reduce exposure to allergens
- Limit outdoor activities on dry and windy days.
- Avoid activities that may promote allergens such as lawn mowing and weed pulling.
- Always shower and change your clothes if you came from outdoors, especially if there are trees in your neighborhood.
- Wear a face mask if you're doing some chores outdoors like gardening or raking leaves, which can stir up pollen from nearby plants into the air where it can be inhaled by those with allergies (especially those who have asthma).
- Clean your home more often during springtime to remove dust particles that have collected over time throughout winter months when no one was really cleaning much at all!
Reach out for over-the-counter remedy
A good first step to alleviate seasonal allergic flare-ups is reaching out to your doctor. They'll be able to prescribe medications that can help, but they may also want you to try over-the-counter remedies first. There are a few options available:
- Antihistamines (like Benadryl) work by blocking histamine production in your body and reducing inflammation. They're often used as an alternative treatment for allergies because they don't have many side effects when taken as directed.
- Decongestants can help reduce congestion by drying up mucus lining the nose, reducing the discomfort brought about by runny and stuffy noses.
Allergic reactions can be very debilitating, but they don't have to be. If you are experiencing seasonal allergic flare-ups during springtime, there are many things that you can do to alleviate your symptoms and feel better again. We hope that this article has helped provide some useful tips!
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Sources
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hay-fever/in-depth/seasonal-allergies/
- https://www.filtrete.com/3M/en_US/filtrete/home-tips/full-story/~spring-allergy-lessons-and-how-to-reduce/