Though the blossoms are beautiful and the baby animals are adorable, springtime allergies can make this season miserable for some. To help you enjoy your spring more and sneeze less, here are some practical tips for helping to keep your allergies in check:
Pollen Management:
This is so real here in North Carolina, and peak pollen season is, well, right NOW! Here are a few tips on keeping pollen exposure at bay:
-Though it’s tempting to fling open your doors and windows during this temperate season, keeping doors and windows closed helps minimize your exposure to pollen.
-Be aware of when you’re outside, and if possible try to avoid being outdoors during peak pollen times (early morning and late afternoon, typically).
-When you do spend time outdoors, try to shower soon after returning home. By washing your hair and body and changing your clothes, you’ll be left with less residual pollen that might otherwise keep you sneezing.
-Wear a face mask when gardening or mowing the lawn.
Indoor Allergen Reduction:
When it comes to inside your home, minimizing things like dust mites and pet dander are key to reduce allergens. Here are a few ways to do that:
-Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter, and use air purifiers in the home.
-Stay on top of your laundry! Washing your sheets and pillowcases at least weekly in hot water helps reduce dust mites. When you think about the amount of time you spend in bed, this really matters.
-When possible, replace carpets with hardwood or tile to reduce the amount of spaces in the home where dust mites can gather.
-Use a dehumidifier to keep indoor humidity below 50%. This helps prevent mold growth – another huge allergy trigger for many.
A few ways to manage symptoms when they flare:
-Reach for a steroid nasal spray like Flonase or Nasocort. These are great because they put small doses of steroids right in the problem area, including the nasal passages and sinuses. They work by treating inflammation and reducing swelling in those areas.
-Use over-the-counter allergy medications such as Zyrtec, Claritin, or Allegra. These medications block the release of histamine, which is what your body releases in response to allergens.
-For a sore throat caused by allergy drainage, try gargling with salt water to soothe the throat.
-Ginger is known to reduce swelling associated with allergy symptoms, so consider adding ginger tea to your daily routine.
We are here to help!
Finally, remember that we at Pinnacle Urgent Care are ready and waiting to be your backup for allergy support if you need us with treatment options including steroid pills like Prednisone, other prescription allergy medications, and steroid shots for severe symptoms. Read more about the allergy care we can provide here.