It’s March, which means spring is just around the corner, along with pollinating trees. Understanding the risk for exposure to allergens on any given day may help sufferers plan for outdoor activities as well as normal day-to-day life.
Here are four ways to make seasonal allergies less taxing:
- Track pollen reports: Keeping an eye on pollen levels is key to preparing for seasonal allergies. Many local television stations offer pollen reports as part of their weather segments. Alternatively, those seeking pollen counts can track them on smartphone weather apps or online on weather websites. In our area, the City of Houston Pollen Report on the web is a trusted site.
- Spring clean your home: Dusting fan blades, windows, and light fixtures reduces dust exposure in the home and reduce exposure to allergens. Cleaning out the garbage disposal, as well as other wet areas, such as the shower, bathtub, or sinks, may help reduce exposure to mold spores. Lastly, changing indoor air filters may help reduce allergens in the air.
- Focus on hygiene: After being outdoors on a high-pollen-count day, immediately removing clothing and showering upon returning home may help prevent prolonged exposure to allergens stuck to clothes, shoes, and hair and avoid their transfer to furniture, carpet, and bed sheets. Consider use of nasal saline at shower time to reduce mucus and congestion.
- See a physician– Schedule an appointment before the season is in full swing to work with a doctor to develop an allergy treatment plan that may include preventative medications.
Allergies in the Greater Houston area are particularly difficult because the season never really ends. If you have seasonal allergies, consider wearing a mask and protective eye gear while cleaning.
While allergies are unavoidable, proper medical attention and preparation can make them more bearable.
Author: Chandra Chaudhuri, M.D., Family Medicine, Kelsey-Seybold Clinic – West Grand Parkway
