Spring in Colorado is a wonderful time of year. The weather gets warmer, the snow begins to melt, and with it the trees and flowers begin to bloom. However with springtime comes the inevitable horror of allergy season, and there’s nothing worse than letting allergies ruin a perfect spring day. This season don’t let allergies get you down-follow our tips to keep your spring day sunny and not runny.
Pollen allergies occur when trees, flowers, and grasses begin to bloom, thus releasing pollen into the atmosphere. As you are exposed to pollen through your nose, mouth, eyes or skin—whether breathing it in through the air or simply by coming in contact with these allergens— your body’s immune system is triggered. Known as histamine, the runny noses, itchy eyes and rashes are just some of the ways your body reacts to fight the introduction of the foreign invaders into your system. Here are several ways to treat and prevent these symptoms:
Take an OTC allergy medicine. Medicines like Zyrtec and Claritin are available over-the-counter, and help prevent the body’s histamine response to allergens.
Avoid exposure to allergens. This might be common sense, but the idea is to keep the time you spend around allergens to a minimum. For instance, close doors and windows to your home. As beautiful as a spring day can be, it is also a time when pollen is released into the air by blooming plants. Generally, you will find there are 2-4 weeks per year when the pollen you are allergic to is particularly high. Wash anything that has been outside prior to using it inside. Using an air conditioner can help reduce the pollen that comes into your home. By keeping your exposure to the allergen to a minimum, you will reduce your allergy symptoms.
Keep your house clean. Keeping your house clean will also reduce the amount of allergens that have collected inside. Clean air filters often and anywhere pollen will collect—this includes vents, fans, and shelves. Vacuum, at least once a week, and consider wearing a mask when you do as vacuuming can kick up any allergens that are on your floor.
See your doctor. If your allergies are really bad, you may want to see a doctor. They can prescribe prescription medicine that is more powerful than the OTC medications, as well as possibly recommend you for allergy testing, or to receive immunotherapy. Also known as allergy shots, immunotherapy is intended to help those who suffer particularly badly from allergies by introducing small amounts of the allergen to help the body become desensitized to the allergens, preventing more severe symptoms from reoccurring.
Stay proactive. If there’s anything to take away from this article, it is the fact that you need to stay proactive in your approach to fighting allergies. Whether taking medication to treat symptoms before they occur, or keeping doors shut and your house clean—you can avoid or minimize the annoying symptoms of allergies.
Allergy season is an inevitable part of our year. By staying proactive in taking necessary medications and eliminating your exposure to allergens, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying this wonderful time of year. Do you have any special tips or tricks on how you fight allergy season? Let us know below.