Some 35 million Americans suffer from sneezing, sniffling, stuffiness and itchy eyes due to spring allergies, according to experts from the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI).
Why?
“People with spring allergies often don’t realize how many things can aggravate their allergy symptoms, so they just muddle along and hope for an early end to the season,” says Dr. Myron Zitt, former ACAAI president, in a college news release. “But there’s no reason to suffer. A few simple adjustments in habits and treatment can make springtime much more enjoyable.”
Here are three ways to avoid spring allergies.
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Allergy Season Is Near: Be Prepared
Protect Your Surroundings
Allergists recommend allergy-sufferers keep their house and car windows closed so pollen can’t drift in from outdoors.
They also recommend making sure to use the right air filter. Inexpensive central-furnace or air-conditioning filters and ionic electrostatic room cleaners aren’t helpful, the allergists say. Ionic electrostatic air filters release ions that can irritate allergies.
And whole-house filtration systems can only be effective if the filters are changed regularly.
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Additionally, you can limit your exposure to allergy triggers through the following, according to the Mayo Clinic:
- Stay indoors on dry, windy days. The best time to go outside is after a good rain, which helps clear pollen from the air.
- Delegate lawn mowing, weed pulling and other gardening chores that stir up allergens.
- Remove clothes you’ve worn outside and shower to rinse pollen from your skin and hair.
- Don’t hang laundry outside — pollen can stick to sheets and towels.
- Wear a pollen mask if you do outside chores.
Beware of Foods That Can Lead to Spring Allergies
The experts also note that some people with seasonal allergies may also suffer from allergies to closely related fruits, vegetables and nuts. This particularly relates to seasonal allergies due to grass or birch trees.
