Spring is finally here! We all look forward to this time of year—flowers in bloom, warmer weather, and longer days mean more sunshine. Unfortunately, many people associate spring (and other seasons) with something less than enjoyable: allergies. Allergy season can be a real burden for many, leaving people sneezing, coughing, and having itchy eyes, all while trying to enjoy springtime.
Fortunately, you can take steps to prepare and minimize your symptoms. Here are five tips to help you get through allergy season.
Know your allergies
The first step is to make sure that you visit an allergist to get tested. Knowing what allergies trigger you can help you be more prepared since not all allergies are the same. Some people may be allergic to different outdoor allergies, such as mold, pollen, grass, trees, or even mosquitoes. People also have varying levels of severity for their allergies. For instance, someone may be very allergic to grass but only slightly allergic to pollen. Once you know what triggers your allergies, you can take steps to actively avoid them or reduce your exposure.
If you’re not sure what you’re allergic to, pay attention to when and where your symptoms occur. Do they get worse during certain times of the day or when you’re in certain environments? Keep a journal of your symptoms and try to identify patterns. You can also try an elimination diet to see if certain foods trigger your allergies.
Start allergy medication early
If you know you’re prone to allergies, consider getting a head start on taking your medication before you experience symptoms. You can begin this two to four weeks before your allergy season starts. You can also help relieve allergy symptoms with over-the-counter antihistamines, such as loratadine or cetirizine, which help with sneezing, itching, and a runny nose. Nasal sprays like fluticasone or mometasone can also help you reduce inflammation and congestion.
However, talking to your doctor before starting any new medications is important, especially if you have other medical conditions. If your allergies are severe or not responding to over-the-counter medicines, your doctor may prescribe stronger medication or even allergy shots. Allergy shots can help your body build immunity to specific allergens over the course of time, eventually reducing your sensitivity to them.
Keep your environment clean
Another way to reduce exposure to allergens is to keep your environment extra clean. This includes your home, car, and your workplace.
• Regularly vacuum carpets and upholstery.
• Use an air purifier to filter out allergens in the air.
• Get rid of scented cleaning products or air fresheners that can irritate your lungs and trigger your allergies.
• Wash bedding and curtains regularly in hot water.
• Use unscented detergent.
• Do not hang your freshly washed clothes outside to dry.
• If you have furry friends in your home, try to keep them out of your bedroom and off furniture.
Practice good hygiene
Maintaining good hygiene can help reduce your exposure to allergens, which can minimize your allergic reactions.
• Wash your hands regularly to remove allergens from your skin.
• Take a shower or bath before you go to bed to remove any pollen or allergens that may have lingered throughout the day.
• Avoid rubbing your eyes, nose, or face, as this can irritate your symptoms and spread allergens.
• If you spend time outdoors, consider wearing a mask and sunglasses to filter out pollen and other allergens.
Contact IntuneHealth today
If you suffer from allergies and need support, contact IntuneHealth today. At IntuneHealth, we provide proactive, preventive primary care designed to keep you healthy. We can recommend a trusted allergist, and we will coordinate your care with them so you don’t have to.
IntuneHealth takes the hassle out of care by giving our patients 24/7 access to your PCP and care team. From same-day and walk-in visits to virtual and at-home appointments, our patients can get care when and how they need it. Come see us. We welcome you to our beautiful spa-like centers at any time.
A new approach to primary care for those with a Medicare Advantage plan.
(239) 790-1122 | IntuneHealth.com
11600 Gladiolus Drive, Suite C17
Fort Myers, FL 33908