How to Handle Allergy Season
Allergy season, as early as January in some states and going on as late as November can be a miserable time of the year.
Just ask Father George Rutler, the Catholic priest and defender of the faith, who while otherwise healthy, suffers greatly from allergic reactions to the pollen in the air in the spring in New York. Without the proper medicines, the father would be absolutely despondent for two or three months out of every year.
Tips for Surviving Allergy Season
- Find Out if it’s Really Allergies
Many people self-diagnose themselves.
Most people experience the symptoms of distress in the spring, as bitter cold in most parts of the country turns to warmer temperatures.
With the rapid change from cold to warm, it can be difficult to tell whether the congestion one is experiencing is due to allergies, or is due to the common cold or a virus.
If congestion lasts for longer than two weeks, or there is the telltale burning in the eyes, nose, and throat, it’s indeed likely the problem is allergies, but until you see a doctor, you don’t really know.
2. Try an Over-the-Counter Decongestant First
If it’s a simple cold then an over-the-counter decongestant will help.
However, if you experience only temporary relief with a decongestant, be sure and see a doctor, preferably one who is an expert in allergies.
3. Avoid the Triggers of Allergies
If it’s really allergies, there are often a number of events that tend to trigger allergies.
For one thing, try to stay indoors on dry and windy days These are the times when the most pollen and other plant-based allergies are in the air.
Another tip? Cease all gardening, lawn mowing, and edging. Pay a service to come do it, because these activities generate a lot of flying pollen.
If you do go outside during dry and windy days, upon returning home, pop all of your clothes immediately in the washer to avoid the impact of pollen sticking to your clothes, and then take a shower, and carefully wash. Especially your hair.
4. Be Cognizant of Pollen Counts
There are thousands of others in the same boat, affected severely by pollen, ragweed, and cedar allergies,
Be cognizant of how many allergy contaminants are in the air, by checking local weather reports and internet sources.
Take extra precautions when pollen and other contaminants are high.
Avoid activities in the morning when pollen counts are the highest. Be sure and keep your windows closed, and be sure and start taking your allergy medications early.
5. Try to Keep your Indoor Air as Clean as Possible
Use your air conditioning as often as possible, both in your home and your car.
Purchase Hepa filters to screen out contaminants. Consider buying a portable particulate machine with a Hepa filter for your bedroom.
Consider buying a dehumidifier to keep the indoor air dry. Clean your floors often with a vacuum cleaner with a Hepa filter.
Fortunately for most people allergy season does not last forever. There is light at the end of the tunnel.
