As the weather gets warmer, many people begin to suffer from allergies. The trees around you are the culprits of the excess pollen in the air causing sneezing, watery eyes and runny noses. Allergy season can be annoying and frustrating, but there are a few tricks to make your allergies less of a burden.

woman battling spring allergies

Medication

The first recommendation is to take allergy medication before the season starts. Medication such as antihistamines can block trees pollen from connecting to receptors inside your nose. Other allergy medications include decongestants, nasal steroids and allergy shots. Be sure to check with a medical professional before you begin taking anything.

Protection

Next, you will want to protect yourself from the pollen when outside. If you are doing yard work, for example, you may want to consider investing in a dust mask for protection. It may not look the best, but it will be a huge help when trying to avoid allergens. Also, if you are really sensitive to the excess pollen, it’s best to limit your time outdoors during the spring season.

Pollen Control

Lastly, when you come in from the outdoors, you should leave your shoes and yard gloves at the door away from living quarters. This will help prevent the spread of pollen around the house. The goal is to have the inside of your house pollen-free. Another tip is to leave your windows closed and run an indoor fan or air conditioner instead to cool down the house. By having a pollen-free house, you can get a break from the excess pollen outside.

One common misconception is that people who suffer from allergy season only live in wooded areas. Urban areas don’t produce much pollen, however, the jet stream moves north in the spring carrying pollen along with it. So make sure no matter where you live, you’re prepared. If you are having serious complications with your allergies, contact RMD Primary Care for an appointment.