Springtime is a beautiful season with blooming flowers, bright green lawns, and lovely floral scents. However, for 50 million Americans, springtime involves watery eyes, congestion, runny noses, and scratchy throats. Luckily, there are ways to curb your seasonal allergy symptoms early. Here’s our quick guide to preparing for springtime allergies.
Start Spring Cleaning Early
Spring allergies can start as early as February and last until May. When the seasons change, mold, pollen, and dust increase in the environment. Start cleaning your home early before pollen and mold accumulates. Focus on items where allergens gather, like bedding, furniture, and carpets. Try to vacuum your rugs, floors, and furniture once a week.
Tip: Change the air filters in your home every three months to keep the air in your home fresh.
Keep Mold Out!
Mold can play a significant role in allergy flare-ups. Many individuals blame their allergies on pollen, but you can have an allergic reaction every time you breathe in mold spores. Mold allergy symptoms are like pollen symptoms: coughing, itchy eyes, congestion. To eliminate mold from your home, clean areas like your bathroom, kitchen, and basement. These areas in your home are typically moist and more prone to mold growth.
Tip: Also clean your doormat and underneath your sink.
Take Your Allergy Medicine Now
Taking your allergy medicine can prevent or reduce inflammation and ease other symptoms. Start taking medications such as nasal sprays and antihistamines (Benadryl or Zyrtec) a couple of weeks before your allergy symptoms begin. If you know when your allergy symptoms will flare, try to start your allergy treatments early.
Schedule Around Peak Allergy Hours
Try to plan your schedule to avoid outdoor activities when the pollen count is at its peak. The pollen count is at its highest from 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. If you’re an early morning runner, you may want to adjust your running time to the evening.
Tip: Hot, dry days will have a higher pollen count than cool, wet days.
If your allergies are still bothering you after trying the methods on our quick guide to preparing for springtime allergies, schedule an appointment with an allergist. At Allergy & ENT Associates, our allergy specialist in Houston can help you find the best allergy treatment for you.
For more information or schedule an appointment, contact us at (713) 597-4426.