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What are spring allergies?
This time of year can be super challenging for those of us who struggle with allergies. Most of us know by now what works for us and what doesn’t, but there are plenty of people who develop allergies late in life. Also, it never hurts to remind yourself of the little things you can do to make your life easier.
An allergic response usually comes in the form of itching, sneezing, runny nose, red and watery eyes, and irritation in the nasal passages. Spring allergies are typically from trees, grasses, and weeds that release tiny particles of pollen into the air and we breathe them in.
People with pollen allergies are triggered by these tiny particles entering their bodies because our bodies mistake the particles as harmful intruders. Our bodies are designed to fight intruders. Therefore, our bodies begin producing chemicals (like histamine) to fight these “intruders” which can cause irritation.
These reactions to pollen are very common, nevertheless irritating to live with. Seasonal allergies can look different depending on the time of year.
Spring allergy symptoms include:
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runny nose
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itchy, watery eyes
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sneezing often
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headache
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dry cough
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nasal congestion
Luckily, there are actions we can take in order to combat spring and pollen allergies that might seem tedious but will make life a lot more enjoyable during these months.
10 Tips For Spring Allergies
1. Keep your windows closed.
Keep allergens out of your house by keeping your windows closed. Enjoying the spring air after a long winter can be tempting, but if you're serious about preventing allergic reactions, it's best to leave those windows closed. Otherwise, give your house a nice spring cleaning on the days that you want the breeze (and pollen) to come in!
2. Rinse your sinuses.
If you're feeling congested, rinsing your sinuses with a saline solution can significantly reduce discomfort. Rinsing flushes out mucus and allergens alike. Look for a neti-pot or make one at home with a squeeze bottle and filtered water.
3. Change your clothes when you come inside.
Pollen and other allergens tend to attach themselves to our clothing when we're outdoors. When you plan on spending time outside, remember to change your clothes and those allergen-covered clothes in the wash before you transfer allergens to a couch, bed, or chair.
4. Wash off before bed.
Before you climb into bed for the night, take a shower or at least rinse off. Pollen can cling to your body's hair and cause irritation as you sleep. It's always best to clean off before bed especially when pollen counts are high.
5. Use an air filter at home.
Having clean air at home is absolutely essential. Make sure your air conditioner is filtered and you're not pumping allergens into your home - especially if you're already taking the steps to reduce allergies by closing your windows!
6. Wear sunglasses outdoors.
Wearing sunglasses or regular glasses outdoors during the spring months can help to keep pollen out of your eyes, which is an area allergens target. An allergic reaction in your eye can be extremely uncomfortable.
7. Boost your immune system.
This spring season, boosting your immune system should be your top priority if you struggle with allergy symptoms. You can do this by upping your vitamin C intake, exercising regularly, eating a healthy diet, and ensuring you're getting enough of the vitamins and minerals needed for a healthy immune system.
8. Check the pollen count.
Knowing the pollen count for each day can help you make better decisions. If it's really high, maybe it's not the best day to open the windows and do a spring cleaning. If it's lower than normal, put on a pair of sunglasses and enjoy the nice weather!
9. Change up your diet.
As we know, your diet can significantly change the way you feel. If you're wanting to feel your best during this spring season, consider a diet high in fruits and vegetables and eat less of the sugary, processed food that can impact your immune health.
10. Leave your shoes at the door.
Like your clothes, allergens from pollen can cling to your shoes. It may seem surprising, but by taking off your shoes when you hit the door on a spring day, you can reduce the number of airborne allergens in your home - which is the goal!
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