Spring is in the Air -- And So are Allergies!
How to Avoid Tree Pollen, Dust, Mold, and Allergens in Spring
Feb 10, 2009
As springtime approaches, a cheer goes up to celebrate the renewal of nature. Spring is a wonderful time of year when flowers bloom and trees create a canopy of beauty across the landscape. The air is filled with fresh air, sunshine, and birds making their way back home for the lazy days of summer.
But when spring is in the air, so are those dreadful allergens, including pollen, grass, mold spores, insects, and a variety of other airborne culprits. An overreaction by your body, to things that don’t necessarily cause problems for the majority of the population, is considered an allergy. People who suffer from springtime allergies know the early symptoms all too well. A runny nose, itchy watery eyes, sinus pain and congestion, and headaches, are often symptoms suffered by those who have a negative response to substances.
According to the World Allergy Organization (WAO), allergies can affect as many as 40% of a population depending on the geographic location of the community. Factors influencing allergies vary from person to person and diagnosis is essential in finding the best possible remedy for the symptoms and discomfort of allergies.
Proper Diagnosis and Treatment
A proper diagnosis takes time and patience by both the individual and his doctor. There are many doctors who are specially trained as “allergists” and who are able to focus directly on the causes of allergic reactions to the environment. These healthcare professionals will not only focus on your symptoms and information provided, but they will also conduct in-depth examinations of different parts of your body to pinpoint the problems.
Diagnosing the cause of allergies typically involves the introduction of a type of “skin testing” that requires small pricks in the skin to introduce various types of potential allergens and vaccines into the skin. It often takes a series of these skin tests to isolate the culprit. Once a positive test result is received, allergists have a better idea of the cause and the potential remedy for your problems.
Once the cause is identified, your doctor can provide you with potential medications to help relieve your symptoms. There are a variety of prescription and over-the-counter medications that may help. In addition, there are some other things you can do to manage your allergic reactions.
Avoid Allergens
One of the best ways to avoid allergic reactions is to avoid the allergen! While this sounds simple, it is probably not the easiest task to accomplish. Pollen, mold, and dust are all in the air we breathe and it’s almost impossible to escape them. Ways to avoid allergens typically present in the springtime include:
- Shower before bedtime each night to remove allergens from your skin and hair.
- Keep windows and doors closed as much as possible, avoiding the outside air. Climate controlled buildings and cars will help you avoid contact with allergens.
- Limit the number of plants, shrubs, and trees you plant near your house, on porches, and around patios. Eliminate or greatly reduce the number of houseplants you own since they can trigger allergic reactions as easily as outdoor plants.
- Use a dehumidifier to help manage and maintain air quality inside your home.
- Change your air filters frequently.
- Keep your home as free of dust as possible. This is especially important in your bedroom where dust can collect unnoticed in bed linens. Use hot water to wash bed linens often.
Take precautions and avoid allergens to the extent possible. Visit your doctor or allergist to obtain a proper diagnosis and identify the best remedies to help you manage through your allergies.
And enjoy the springtime as much as possible!
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