Ask a Nurse: The Top 10 Ways to Manage Spring Allergies
The Top 10 Ways to Manage Spring Allergies
The Top 10 Ways to Manage Spring Allergies
Spring has sprung! This warm and early spring has resulted in possibly the worst allergy season on record! I heard on the news the other day that the pollen count in Atlanta was already 51% higher than any year on record! I have collected my top 10 ways to help manage spring allergies; I hope you find some of them relevant to you! If you or a family member are experiencing sneezing, runny itchy nose, itchy watery eyes, or other symptoms of outdoor allergies, try these tips:
1. Close the windows in your car and house. Use an air conditioner if you want to cool off. If you just can’t live without that fresh (and pollen filled) air, try taking an antihistamine and see if it helps enough with the windows open.
2. Don’t hang your clothes outside to dry. While sun-warmed laundry, fresh from the line smells and feels so good; the laundry will be covered in pollen that you can’t see. Dry your clothes in a clothes dryer and see if it helps.
3. Let someone else mow the lawn. If you have outdoor allergies, don’t torture yourself by doing this. If your prescription or over the counter allergy medication controls your symptoms enough to not be bothered by mowing the lawn, go ahead…and come do mine, too! You could also wear a filter mask.
4. Shower and wash your hair before you go to bed. If you have spent time outdoors, don’t make your symptoms worse by transferring pollen to your pillow and sheets!
5. Keep your pets clean. Wash your pets often if they spend time outdoors. Petting and snuggling a pollen covered pet is sure to flare up your allergies!
6. Keep pets that spend time outdoors off of furniture and beds. As much as we all love our furry friends, if pollen bothers you, keep them off these areas.
7. Vacuum frequently with a vacuum that filters out allergens, like a HEPA filter. Don’t forget to vacuum the upholstered furniture.
8. Limit your time outside on days with high pollen counts. Pollen counts are highest between the hours of 10 am to 4 pm. If you live in the U.S.A. you can check pollen counts here: www.aaaai.org/nab.
9. Take your allergy medicine at least 30 minutes before going outside. Let your Doctor know if you are not getting relief.
10. Change your clothes when you come inside. If you can’t take a shower, at least put on clean clothes when you come inside. That way, you will keep most of the pollen in the laundry basket instead of on you. If pollen is not on you, you will not be transferring pollen to your furniture and carpet.
Well, did you find any helpful tips? I hope you learned some new ways to manage your spring allergies! Have a great week and feel free to write me at asknursepam@gmail.com, I would love to answer your questions in a future column.
Be Well,
Pam
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Pamela is an RN, MSN/Ed.
Pamela is a mother of 6 amazing children ages 11 to 24. She is a nurse educator and loves to travel overseas to work in medical clinics and teach health-related topics to schools and communities. She has been married to her best friend, Steve, for 29 years. She has many different interests including reading, writing (NOT arithmetic!), baking, teaching, and spending time with her family. She lives in central Pennsylvania with her husband and two youngest daughters.
Cook, Baker, Phototaker, Fitness Mover and Shaker, Cupcake Tester, Deal Maker, Adventurous Undertaker, Do Good “Deeder”, Teacher, Mom, Wife, Patriot for Life & Giver of Good Advice – RealAdviceGal