6 Ways to Prepare for Allergy Season

Spring and summer divides people into two categories: those who greet the warmer weather with excitement and look forward to the fresh flowers, and those who suffer from incapacitating allergies brought on by the showers and flowers. Perpetual sneezing, and rubbing itchy and watery eyes—these allergy symptoms are downright inconvenient.

At Ear, Sinus and Allergy, we don’t want you to stay trapped indoors all through your allergy season. We want to help you enjoy it.

Major Culprits for Spring Allergies

Peak time for seasonal allergies in North Carolina often goes from March to August. Here are the most common factors contributing to local allergies:

• Mold
• Grass
• Trees
• Flowers

Tips to Conquer Spring Allergies

Here is what you can do to cut down on allergens:

1. Install Fresh Air Filters

Home improvement and repair stores can provide specialized allergy filters. You can place these on your air conditioning unit and eliminate pollen infiltration. This will make living indoors more comfortable during peak allergy days.

2. Shut the Door

The fresh air feels good, but also carries pollens indoors. So close your windows and outside doors. This is especially true for high-pollen days. Also, take your shoes off at the front door, so you don’t track in as much pollen. Recirculate the air inside your car instead of venting it from the outside.

3. Wash Up

Pollen and other allergens cling to you hair, hands, clothes, and body. They also transfer to other areas like your sofa or pillow. So wash your face and hands when you come in from outside, and wash your hair before bed. Also wipe down your dog to get rid of allergens that might cling to fur.

4. Check Pollen Counts

Just as you check the weather and traffic reports daily, you can also check on a pollen forecast. There are several resources, like the National Allergy Bureau’s website, that give you a daily ranking of mold, pollen, grass, and weed levels. On days when pollen levels are high for allergens you are sensitive to, make a greater effort to stay indoors. The worst days are often when it’s dry and windy. The best time to venture outside is immediately after a heavy rainstorm.

5. Wear a Mask

On days when you mow the lawn or plan to be out in the garden, wear a NIOSH-rated filter mask and sunglasses. This will minimize your contact with pollens and protect you from severe allergy symptoms.

6. Medications

Talk to our ear, nose, and throat (ENT) physician Dr. Bruce Jones about your allergies, symptoms, and possible solutions. He can prescribe the best allergy treatment for your unique needs. Some options might include a nasal spray, oral antihistamine, decongestant, or a combination.

For more information about allergies contact us at (828) 438-1930 or visit our Ear, Sinus and Allergy Center at 1190 Drexel Road, Valdese, NC.

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