Mercy’s Top Ten Tips for Surviving Spring with Allergies

Spring has finally arrived, and most Northeast Ohioans are welcoming the season with open arms. But, if you are like the millions of people throughout the United States who suffer from seasonal allergic rhinitis – you may also be greeting the season with a box of tissues and a little bit of dread.

While many people think seasonal allergies just consist of sneezing and itchy eyes, it can include much more problematic symptoms, such as headaches, sinus issues, nasal congestion, and coughing. Making matters worse are the dry windy days, which scatter tree or grass pollen in all directions, and drenching spring rains that send the mold count soaring. Consequently, the simplest -- and best -- recourse for treating allergies is often one of the most difficult adjustments for people to make after a winter cooped-up indoors: environmental control.

To seek relief, try following these top ten tips:

1. Postpone outdoor activities until later in the morning, as pollens are usually emitted between the hours from 5 a.m. and 10 a.m. 2. Keep your windows closed and use air conditioning, even on pleasant spring nights. 3. Stay indoors when the pollen count or humidity is reported to be high, and on windy days when dust and pollen are blowing about. 4. When driving, keep the windows up and turn on the air conditioning. 5. Don’t hang your laundry out to dry. Allergens will collect on them. 6. Do not mow the lawn or rake the leaves without a filter mask. 7. Wash bedding weekly in hot water. 8. Shower and wash your hair every night before going to bed. 9. Remove visible mold with non-toxic cleaning products. 10. Plan a vacation during the height of the pollen season to a more pollen-free area, such as the beach or sea. Even after taking these precautions, many people need to use allergy medications to help get through the worst of the season. To find a medication that’s right for you, check with your primary care doctor for recommendations. If your allergies persist, your doctor may recommend you see an allergist to determine the allergens that are causing your reactions. With that information in hand, he or she can decide the most effective treatment.

To develop an allergy treatment plan that’s right for you, talk with your primary care doctor. If you need a physician, call 1-877-580-1695 to schedule an appointment with a Mercy Health Physician near you.