Pollen is the leading cause of seasonal allergies, commonly known as hay fever. Pollen can be found in flowers, trees, grass, weeds, and any other plant. The tiny particles are carried into the air through the wind and travel from one spot to another. Flowers are the least likely to cause irritation, while grasses, weeds, and trees, are common sources of pollen allergies.
Know the Pollen Count
The first step to coping with pollen allergies is knowing the pollen count. This refers to the amount of pollen in the air. Local news sources should also report what pollens are the highest concentration in the air at that time depending on the current trends in grass, weed, and tree blooming. On days with a higher pollen count, you should take steps to avoid the allergens.
Avoiding Pollen
You can avoid pollen simply by staying indoors as much as possible. Dry and windy weather is linked to higher pollen counts and more severe allergy symptoms. In contrast, moist conditions help to suppress the pollen in the air. You should keep the windows and doors of your home closed on days with a high pollen count. It’s also helpful to run a HEPA filter designed to reduce allergens in your home. At the end of each day be sure to change your clothes and wash your hair to remove any lingering pollen from your person. Don’t dry your clothes outdoors and of course, avoid any outdoor chores such as grass cutting and weed eating.
Treatment
If you know that you suffer from pollen allergies, you can begin a treatment regimen. Speak to your doctor about taking an antihistamine allergy medication designed to reduce the reaction to the pollen around you.
Ideally, you should start taking this medication before peak allergy season occurs. You can use nasal sprays and decongestants to help relieve any lingering symptoms on days with especially high allergy counts. If you suffer from a runny nose or itchy eyes, eye drops are a simple and easy treatment that offers instant relief. Keep nasal passages moist by rinsing them with sterile or distilled water. The moisture will remove any remaining pollen from your sinuses and help to relieve painful inflammation.
Pollen allergies are annoying, but they don’t have to take control of your life! Use these steps and speak with an allergist to learn more about your long-term treatment options.