When we transition into a new season and allergens make their first appearance, seasonal allergies come to knock on our doors. Does that sound like something that happens to you? Then, you might wonder about the most efficient ways to keep allergies at bay.
There is nothing we can do to escape the changing seasons, but that doesn’t mean you have to endure a running nose and itchy eyes every spring or fall.
In today’s article, we’ll share 5 solutions to seasonal allergies, from natural methods to over-the-counter medicines to strategies to prevent allergies you might never have considered before. Let’s begin!
Know When The Allergies Will Kick In
Not everything related to seasonal allergies is negative; actually, they come with a huge advantage: they give you time to prepare. Preparing yourself to avoid an allergy can be more efficient than treating it once symptoms have already set off.
When is allergy season? That depends; there are 3 different allergic rhinitis: springtime, summertime, and fall. A specific type of plant pollen marks each one:
- Spring—Tree pollen season.
- Summer—Grass pollen season.
- Fall—Ragweed pollen season.
Depending on which type of pollen you are sensitive to, you can develop allergies in any of those 3 seasons… or during more than one of them.
Knowledge is power. Knowing when your allergies will show up gives you time to prepare. How can you prepare to dodge allergies? By following the tips from this guide or running to your local Pharmacy 53211 to get over-the-counter allergy medicine, if necessary.
Reduce Your Exposure to Pollen
Since pollen causes allergy symptoms, a smart move is to stay away from it as much as possible.
We understand this sounds like mission impossible—unless you plan to stay indoors the entire season. But, while challenging, there are a few measures you can take to control your exposure to pollen:
- Checking pollen levels before planning to go out—most weather apps include it. When the pollen forecast is high, try to avoid going out or take allergy medication in advance.
- The pollen count is higher in the morning, so if possible, schedule your outdoor activities for the afternoon or evening.
- Avoid going outside on dry, windy days; instead, rainy days are a better option for allergy sufferers.
Make Your Home Allergies-Proof
While there is no miracle solution to eliminate allergens from your home completely, there’s still plenty you can do to reduce them to the bare minimum:
- Avoid opening the windows during a high pollen forecast.
- Clean dust and vacuum often, at least once a week. Try getting a vacuum with a HEPA filter, which catches smaller particles such as pollen and other allergens.
- Change your clothes when you get home to avoid bringing in dust, pollen, and spores.
- Control your house’s humidity:
- Dehumidifiers: High humidity levels in spring, summer, and early fall tend to worsen allergy symptoms. To reduce moisture in your home air, you can use a dehumidifier or air conditioner.
- Humidifiers: Extremely dry air can also onset allergy symptoms, such as nasal irritation. During fall and winter, use a humidifier to add moisture to the air and soothe your allergies.
Natural Remedies for Seasonal Allergies
If your seasonal allergies are mild, you can try some popular and effective natural remedies to alleviate the symptoms:
The Best Remedy of All: Saying Hydrated
Drinking plenty of water throughout the day is the golden rule to keep your body working properly. Does staying hydrated also improve allergies? Studies revealed that dehydration boosts histamine production, a body chemical that causes the most common allergy symptoms.
So, keep your water bottle with you during allergy season to ensure you reach your daily water intake goal.
Vitamin C-Rich Foods
By consuming plenty of vitamin C you’ll check another box on the list for staying safe from allergies. Vitamin C is high in antioxidants and antihistamines; meeting your daily dose of this vitamin can help reduce histamine by 38%.
What foods are rich in vitamin C? Citrus (oranges, tangerines, and lemons), strawberries, kiwis, peppers, and broccoli. You can also resort to vitamin C supplements to complement your diet.
Eat 100% Natural Honey
Natural honey is made from flower pollen. Having a teaspoon of your local honey every day can help your body develop a tolerance to certain pollen types.
Use Steam Inhalation—You Can Add Essential Oils
Add a few drops of essential oil (eucalyptus and tea tree are our top recommendations) to a bowl of hot water. Place a cloth on top of your head to form a tent and breathe the steam for 10-15 minutes.
Nasal Rinse
One of the most effective ways to get rid of allergens is to rinse your nasal passages with saline solution. This practice relieves congestion and lessens runny nose episodes.
Over-The-Counter Treatments
If homemade remedies or treatments don’t work for you, and you want to say goodbye to seasonal allergies for good, you can try over-the-counter medication.
There are different types of allergy medications; which one will work better for you depends on the type of allergy you have. You can ask your pharmacist which nonprescription medicine suits your case better. The most common ones include:
- Antihistamines: They work by blocking histamine, a chemical our bodies release when having an allergic reaction. This block can soothe itchy eyes, sneezing, and a runny nose.
- Decongestants: They shrink blood vessels and tissues in the nasal passage, clearing congestion, reducing the symptoms of nasal allergies, and improving breathing.
- Steroid nasal sprays: Also called corticosteroid nasal sprays, steroids work by reducing inflammation in the nasal passages. They are highly effective for controlling sneezing and stopping a runny nose.
Final Thoughts
Ready to say goodbye to seasonal allergies? Living with constant allergies can be annoying and make your day-to-day activities more challenging. Try the solution from this guide to find the perfect one for you. Remember, you can always call your local pharmacy to ask about the best over-the-counter remedies for spring, summer, or fall allergies.
Prepare yourself before allergy season kicks in, and enjoy peace of mind and perfect health all year round!