Spring is beautiful. There are flowers in abundance, the smell of freshly cut grass, the weather is warmer and all feels good after the stupor of winter. For most of us anyway. For those of us that suffer from
allergies, the reality is quite different. Days are spent with streaming eyes and noses, itchy skin and breathing difficulties. Asthma can flare up due to the rise in pollen, dust and mold levels and just leaving the house can feel like a battle. Luckily, while seasonal allergies are uncomfortable, frustrating and unpleasant, you don’t have to suffer without a cure. In this article we take a look at some top tips for keeping allergies at bay this spring.
See an allergy and asthma specialist
Over-the-counter antihistamines, nasal sprays, and eye drops can be effective for managing symptoms, but it’s important to find the right option for you. If allergies significantly impact your daily life or sleep, consider speaking with an allergy and asthma specialist. They can understand your symptoms, identify potential triggers and help you to decrease exposure so your symptoms are relieved. While allergies can't necessarily be cured, they will help you to improve your quality of life with the most advanced treatments.
Understand your triggers
The first step in managing spring
allergies is identifying what causes your symptoms. Tree pollen is one of the most common triggers early in the season, followed by grass pollen as spring progresses. Dust mites and mold can also worsen symptoms, especially indoors. If you’re unsure what triggers your allergies, keeping a symptom diary can help. Note when symptoms flare up, what you were doing, and where you were. Understanding your personal triggers allows you to take more targeted preventative measures. You could also ask your family members if they suffer the same, and if they know what sets them off. This can help you identify things a bit easier as it could be genetic.
Wash your bedding and clothing regularly
Your bed can easily become a hotspot for allergens. Wash sheets, pillowcases, and duvet covers at least once a week using hot water to remove pollen and dust mites. After spending time outdoors, change your clothes as soon as you get home and shower if possible. Pollen clings to fabric, hair, and skin, so removing it quickly can significantly reduce symptoms, especially in the evening and overnight. Try and avoid drying your bedding and clothing outside too, as this can attract pollen and dust, particularly on a breezy day.
These are just a few tips that should hopefully help you to battle through the spring and the allergy flare ups that come with it. Whether you’ve always suffered, or if it has gotten worse over recent years, there’s no reason for you to continue to face it. With a few proactive steps such as keeping your home clean, managing outdoor exposure, and understanding your triggers, you can reduce symptoms and enjoy everything the season has to offer. A little preparation goes a long way in making spring a time to look forward to, rather than endure.
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