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As I write this, my throat is unbearably itchy, my eyes watery and I can’t complete a sentence without exploding in a dry coughing fit.
Spring season is upon us folks, bringing with it the millions of mold and pollen spores that some of us just can’t hang with; welcome to allergy season. The symptoms that plague us due to allergies are obnoxious at most and can threaten a good time, but don’t fret—here are 6 ways to keep them in check to get you outdoors enjoying the warm weather.
Keep an Eye on the Pollen Count
Check out the pollen count daily in your area to gauge when it will be highest and lowest throughout the day, and then plan your time accordingly. If you are going to be outside, try to head out when the count is low and keep indoor activities for when it climbs back up. In the springtime, trees pollinate throughout the day while pollen from summer grass is more prevalent in the late afternoon and evening.
Wear a Mask
If you are going to be outside during the high time for pollen then you may want to get creative so you aren’t as exposed to the elements. Tackle that lawn while wearing a mask and cover your skin accordingly. Once you have finished your outside shenanigans, make sure to change clothing once back indoors.
Filter Your Home
Sorry, I know when the weather is nice, making you want to open those windows and let the sunshine in, but if you are symptomatic then this is a big no no. Keep home and car windows shut and run your air conditioner to filter the air. If you have an attic fan turn it off during allergy season to avoid outside air being sucked in.
Pets Must Go In or Out
Pets can stir up those allergy symptoms by tracking pollen in and out of your house in a never-ending cycle. During the season, decide if you want your pet to stay inside or out to keep pollen at a minimum.
Pin Point Your Allergies
If you really aren’t feeling too hot then it may be a good idea to get down to the nitty gritty and consult your doctor. Skin tests are quick, mostly inexpensive and crucial in narrowing down exactly what kind of pollen you are allergic to. With the test, your skin is pricked and the specific allergens are administered to see your body’s reaction. Once you know what the triggers are it can help you to further plan against contact.
Get Some Meds
Don’t get down about allergy season, because there are plenty of over the counter medications that will soothe your symptoms. Try a non-sedating antihistamine each morning and for congestion, add a saline nasal rinse or oral decongestant pill. Antihistamine eye drops are great to relieve itchy, watery eyes and throat lozenges are tasty and soothing for sore throats.
