It’s Allergy Season!

April 6th, 2018

In many parts of the country, trees are sprouting green leaves and flowers are appearing.  Pollen from plants is so fine and small that it be carried into your home with the slightest breeze.  Pollen is the main cause of spring allergies which can result in itchy, watery eyes, running nose, sore throat and even cough (from a post-nasal drip).  We are officially at the beginning of the Spring Allergy season!  Here are some tips to make your family’s allergy season more bearable.

• Trees typically pollinate (shed pollen into the air) during dawn and dusk periods.  Keep your windows closed during these times and try to plan outdoor events away from these times.
• Keep car windows closed and use the air conditioner instead.  Better yet, set the air conditioner to “recirculate” the air and not bring in air from outside.
• Wipe your shoes off to remove pollen which may have stuck onto your shoes after walking outdoors for long periods of time.
• Wear sunglasses with thick sides (the area that loops over your ears).  This can prevent the wind from blowing pollen into your eyes.
• Purchase “natural tears” eye drops.  These can be helpful to wash out any pollen.  I use a type that come in tiny individual plastic droppers which I carry with me at all times.  They are convenient and disposable.
• Avoid giving gifts of flowers to loved ones who have allergies.   Lilies, chrysanthemums, cherry blossoms, sunflowers, and daisies are notorious for causing allergies.  If you are an allergy sufferer and get a gift of these flowers, consider donating them to a community center or charity such as a homeless shelter.  Better options (less allergenic) flowers include tulips, roses, crocuses, geraniums, hydrangeas, carnations, orchids and daffodils.
• If you do have allergies that are worse in the spring, start taking your antihistamines (Claritin, Zyrtec, or Allegra) now. Most are over-the-counter, taken once a day and non-drowsy (except for Benadryl).  They need to be taken prior to exposure to pollens to have the best effect.  Nasal steroids (such as Flonase, Nasacort, or Rhinocort) are nasal sprays that can be used to lessen nasal symptoms.  If your allergies are particularly bad, you may even want to take both types of medications.
• I am a big fan of sinus rinses.  It makes perfect sense, pollen gets into your nose and sinuses, you wash the pollen out and you will feel better. I do sinus rinses every morning.  I find the experience just like flossing, you may not feel comfortable or want to do it at first, but once you get used to it you find the process quite routine. I recommend the NeilMed brand.
• Track the pollen count and plan your days accordingly.  You can visit the website Pollen.com for an up to date reading of the pollen count for the day and forecast for the next few days.  The pollen count can vary dramatically based on which plants are blooming, how many of those plants are in your area, and weather conditions.  Generally, the pollen count goes down significantly on rainy days since the water pulls the pollen out of the air.  Avoid being outdoors excessively on high pollen count days and you will feel less miserable.
• Purchase a HEPA rated air filter for your home and change the filter regularly.  The best air filters are very noisy, but you don’t need to run them 24/7.  I would recommend turning it on just as you leave for work and turn it off when you get home.  The eight or so hours you are away is enough for most filters to remove pollen in the air.
• Change the air filters in your air conditioner.  Be sure to buy HEPA filters as replacements.  These may cost slightly more, but they have a finer mesh that is designed to remove the small pollen particles.
• Upholstered furniture and rugs/carpets often trap tons of pollen tracked in on your clothes and shoes.  Consider getting them thoroughly cleaned, or remove the rugs completely.  Allergy sufferers should consider buying leather furniture, as they can be easily wiped clean and do not allow for pollen to collect easily.