Itchy eyes. A stuffed up or runny nose. Lethargy. These are just a few of the miserable symptoms of the seasonal allergies that plague so many. Even crueler? They coincide with the arrival of spring, when warmer weather arrives, flowers bloom, and the sun shines bright.
Instead of letting your allergies prevent you from enjoying spring, take some steps to relieve your symptoms before they even start. Yes, that’s possible.
At One Health Medical Care in Reston, Virginia, Dr. Mingliarti Tjahjana and our team can help you manage your seasonal allergies better — so you can enjoy springtime like everyone else!
Trees, grasses, and weeds — or pollen producers — are the major culprits in spring allergies, which about 81 million Americans suffer with each year. In addition to a stuffy nose and itchy eyes, you might also experience:
Spring allergies can be disruptive and life-limiting. After all, if you have a non-stop runny nose, incessant sneezing, and limited energy, you’re not going to feel like doing much.
With the right treatment and a little bit of prep work, however, you can say “no way” to allergies and enjoy your favorite activities once again — even when spring is in full bloom.
Your biggest foe during allergy season is pollen — it’s out of control, blowing all around, and it wreaks havoc on your immune system. With that in mind, you can raise your pollen awareness and take appropriate action.
When you check the weather, you can also check the pollen count. If it’s supposed to be very high, don’t wait for the count to top out before you take your allergy medication — even if you’re not experiencing symptoms at the time.
Did you know that pollen counts are highest in the morning? Aim to spend time outside later in the day, and you’ll be more comfortable.
Look at the forecast. Is it supposed to be windier than usual? If so, this roils up that pollen and spreads it far and wide. Don’t spend a lot of time outside on a windy day. On the contrary, if the forecast calls for rain, you can probably head outside. Why? Rain actually washes pollen out of the air, so taking a walk after a rain shower is a great idea.
Pollen lands everywhere, as you can tell from the acid-green or yellow coating you find yourself wiping from your car’s windshield on a regular basis.
Did you know, for example, that pollen also rests atop water? If you can’t resist taking a dip in an outdoor pool at the height of allergy season, try wearing a nose clip while you swim — or use a saline or nasal solution after swimming to clear out your nasal passages.
When you’re inside during allergy season, keeping the windows closed goes a long way in keeping pollen out of your home. Turn on your air conditioning if it’s warm, making sure to use high-efficiency air filters, and use a dehumidifier to keep your air nice and dry.
Place a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter in your bedroom for optimal sleep, and be sure to clean with a vacuum that has a HEPA filter, too.
We know gardening is a favorite hobby of many, but if you’re a springtime allergy sufferer, mowing the lawn, weeding, and working in the garden can exacerbate your symptoms. If you must work in the yard, wear a mask to protect you from allergens, and avoid gardening in the morning.
Pollen can coat your clothing when you spend time outdoors, so every time you’ve been outside, shed those clothes and throw them in the laundry basket. Then, change into clean clothes once you’re inside for the day.
Extra tip: Even if you love the fresh smell of clothing and bedding that’s been dried on the clothesline, don’t do it. Laundry that dries outdoors in the spring collects pollen. Opt for using your trusty dryer, instead.
Enjoying spring to the fullest is within your reach — simply follow these practices and see Dr. Tjahjana for allergy care as needed. If you think you’re having seasonal allergy symptoms but haven’t yet been diagnosed, she can test you and create a personalized treatment plan.
Need help managing your seasonal allergies? Call 571-572-9198 to schedule a visit at One Health Medical in Reston, Virginia, today, or book an appointment online at your convenience.
