Gesundheit! It’s that time of the year again… Allergy Season
With the beautiful weather Spring may bring to Palm Springs, it also brings flower buds and blooming trees. If you’re one of the millions of people who have seasonal allergies, it also means sneezing, congestion, a runny nose and other annoying symptoms. Seasonal allergies can make you feel down right miserable. Read on for some helpful tips on how to maintain that sneeze.
Minimize your exposure to allergy stimulants
- Try to stay indoors, especially on dry or windy days. The best time to go outside is after a good rain, which helps clear pollen from the air.
- Hire a gardener to help with weeds, mowing the lawn and other chores that stir up allergens.
- Take off the clothes you’ve worn outside and shower to rinse pollen from your skin and hair.
- Even though it may feel odd, wear a pollen mask if you have to go outside.
When pollen counts are high, take the extra precautions
- Pollen forecasts and up to date pollen levels in your area can be found online, and often by your local TV, newspaper or radio station.
- If pollen counts show at high levels, you may want to start taking your allergy medications before the symptoms start.
- Make sure your doors and windows are sealed properly.
- Pollen levels are highest in the morning. Avoid outdoor activity until later in the day.
Keep indoor air clean
Until they come out with a miracle product that can eliminate all allergens from the air in your home, these tips may help:
- Turn the AC on in your car and home.
- Make it a priority to follow regular maintenance schedules on your forced air heating or air conditioning.
- Use a dehumidifier to keep indoor air dry.
- Use a vacuum with HEPA filters to clean floors. Clean them often.
Go to the pharmacy
- Consider trying an over-the-counter remedy after talking to a doctor or pharmacist. These nonprescription medications may help ease seasonal allergies: Oral antihistamines, Decongestants, Combination medications
- Try Nasal spray. Rinsing with saline solution is fast, cost efficient, and an effective way that can relieve nasal congestion.
When nothing seems to help, it’s time to see your doctor
While avoiding allergens and taking over-the-counter medications may help some, it’s not enough for others. Don’t give up, a doctor visit may be all you need to set you on the right path. Your doctor may recommend other treatments.
- Skin and blood tests will help find exactly what allergens may be triggering your symptoms. Testing can help identify which treatments are likely to work best for you.
- Desensitization, allergy shots may be the best option. Over time, these injections reduce the immune system reaction that causes symptoms.
- In some cases, treatment can be given as tablets under the tongue.
Always consult your physician before beginning any exercise program. This general information is not intended to diagnose any medical condition or to replace your healthcare professional. If you are displaying very serious signs such as an inability to wake up, seizures, or repeated vomiting, it is a time-sensitive medical emergency and you should seek immediate care and proceed to the emergency room right away.