Springtime means that pollen, grass, and other seasonal allergens will be causing sniffling and other symptoms for those who suffer from allergies. Find out how you can prevent and treat spring your allergies this spring season.
When the weather gets warmer and trees, bushes, and flowers start to bloom, you might find yourself sneezing or dealing with itchy, watery eyes. This happens if you have an allergic reaction to pollen grains, grass pollen, or mold spores that are around outside in spring. While the symptoms of seasonal allergies such as nasal congestion and a runny nose can make you miserable, there are ways to lower your risk of having these reactions.
Take Preventative Measures
Start taking allergy medications about two weeks prior to the beginning of allergy season. Whether you take prescription or over-the-counter medication, taking it early helps you manage any symptoms that occur. The type of medication you should take depends on the kinds of symptoms you have and how severe they are. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about all of the different allergy medications available and how each of them can help you.
Stay Indoors
Avoid going outside when pollen counts are at their highest, which is usually during the morning and around dusk. Your allergies might also be worse on windy days if you go outside a lot. Plan on spending time outdoors when pollen counts are at their lowest or after it rains to help your allergy symptoms.
Keep Windows Closed
Keeping the windows in your home closed ensures that allergens will not get inside. When you are driving around, you should also keep your car windows up for the same reason. This helps lower your exposure to pollen and other allergens that linger outside.
Get Some Fresh Air
Run your air conditioner or a humidifier to help improve your home’s indoor air quality. Keep in mind that using a high-efficiency filter in your HVAC system will help remove even more allergens from the air in your home.
Wash Your Clothes Often
Change your clothes after being outdoors for a long period of time, as pollen and other spring allergens can get into your home by latching onto your clothes and shoes. Remove your shoes as soon as you come inside, and put on a different set of clothes to avoid exposure to these allergens when you are indoors. Changing clothes and taking off your shoes also prevents allergens from spreading to other parts of your home. Once you have changed clothes, it is important to wash your clothes as soon as possible so the pollen from outside doesn’t sit in your home.
Choose The Right Medications
Choose medications carefully if you plan on taking them to ease your allergy symptoms. Antihistamines can cause drowsiness, which prevents you from being able to drive after you have taken them. If you plan on using a decongestant nasal spray, only do so for a few days, as using them any longer can make your congestion worse than it was before.
Allergy Shots
Consider allergy shots if medications do not provide you with enough relief. These shots help your immune system learn to tolerate certain allergens, so that they do not cause allergic reactions. Allergy shots are considered safe, but they may cause mild redness and swelling for a short period of time.
If you need treatment for allergies this spring, or need help choosing the right medication for your allergies, please contact Smith-Caldwell Drug Store by calling (501) 392-5470. Our Benton pharmacy has compound medications and generic drugs available to ease all allergy symptoms.
