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How to Manage Spring Allergies

Ward off allergy symptoms this season with these tips

Knowing how to manage spring allergies can help you enjoy time outdoors this season.

After a long winter, it’s always exciting to see hints of spring! From newly budding flowers to fresh, warm air, it can be a beautiful time of the year — unless you have seasonal allergies that get in the way of enjoying it. Learning how to manage spring allergies can make a difference in your comfort during this time of year and can help you enjoy the season a little more.

Springtime allergies can be caused by a variety of things, but the most common is pollen from blooming trees, grasses, and other plants. Your body thinks that these particles are attacking and releases antibodies in the form of histamines to fight the “intruders;” this produces the common allergy reactions of runny noses, itchy and watery eyes, and other uncomfortable symptoms.

If you find yourself fighting these symptoms every year, here are some tips on how to manage spring allergies!

Find your allergen triggers

Allergies can be caused by many things, but as we mentioned, the most common is pollen from plants that are starting to flower in the spring. Different people are sensitive to different types of plants, so finding which ones you’re most sensitive to can help you avoid the worst triggers. 

You may want to consult your primary care physician on how to narrow down which pollens and plants you’re most allergic to and possibly have them refer you to a specialized allergist who can give you tests to confirm and specify which pollens cause you to react the most.

Watch the pollen count

Another great way to manage your spring allergies is to check the daily pollen counts. Many weather apps include an air quality or pollen count rating each day, but you can easily download a specific app to your phone as well. These pollen and air quality charts and data can help inform you which days may trigger a severe allergy response and which days are less of a risk, so you can plan your outdoor time wisely.

Change clothes after going outside

Sometimes it’s unavoidable to go outside on high pollen count days. In these cases, when you get back home, it’s a good idea to change out of your clothes as pollen can stick to the fabric. You may also want to shower to remove any pollen in your hair or skin. A nice warm shower may also help to calm the symptoms of allergies. Keeping pollen outside as much as possible and not tracking it in on clothing or shoes can help keep your home a safe haven from any allergy response.

Keep windows closed

Even though the spring air can be fresh and warm, resist the temptation to open windows if you can on high pollen count days. Pollen can drift in through the open windows and land on your furniture and all the nooks and crannies in your house. 

Talk to your doctor about possible medication

Sometimes an over-the-counter or prescribed medication is the best option if your allergies are severe enough. Talk to your primary care physician about this possibility; they’ll help you go over any pros or cons of taking medication for your allergies, and you can decide together if that’s the right course of action for you. 

Learning how to manage your spring allergies can really make a difference in your day-to-day activities this time of year. By following these steps, you’ll lessen the impact of a runny nose and itchy eyes in no time! 

For more seasonal how-tos, keep reading the CapTel blog for springtime hearing health advice plus fun springtime projects!