Nip Your Springtime Allergies in the Bud

Spring is just around the corner! That means flowers, plants, and trees will soon be blooming and the grass will again be green.

It’s the season of hope and renewal. But for millions of Americans, spring is also the season for allergies. Also called hay fever and allergic rhinitis, seasonal allergies can mean sneezing, congestion, a runny nose, itchy eyes, and other bothersome symptoms. Fortunately, there are plenty of simple strategies that can keep seasonal allergies under control.

Reduce your exposure to allergy triggers:

• Stay indoors on dry, windy days. The best time to go outside is after a good rain, which helps clear pollen from the air.
• Remove clothes you've worn outside and wash them as soon as possible.
• After spending time outdoors, shower to rinse pollen from your skin and hair.
• Don't hang laundry outside, as pollen can stick to sheets and towels.
• Wear a pollen mask if you must do outside chores.

Take extra steps when pollen counts are high:

• Check your local TV or radio station, your local newspaper, or the Internet for pollen forecasts and current pollen levels.
• Close doors and windows at night, or at any other time when pollen counts are high.
• Avoid outdoor activity in the early morning when pollen counts are highest.
• If you take allergy medications, start them before your symptoms start when high pollen counts are forecasted.

Keep indoor air clean:

• Take off your shoes at the door and ask guests to do the same.
• Use the air conditioning in your house and car.
• Use high-efficiency filters and follow regular maintenance schedules for your heating and air conditioning system.
• Keep indoor air dry with a dehumidifier.
• Clean floors often with a vacuum cleaner that has a HEPA filter.

Seasonal allergies can be challenging, but they don't have to ruin the beauty of the season.