How to manage your allergies as spring revs up

Spring is finally here, and if you’re one of the millions of Americans who suffer from allergies, going outside when pollen is in the air may not be a good idea.

Here’s how to keep your seasonal allergies in check during the warmer months:

Spring allergies and symptoms

In spring, trees, grasses and weeds release tiny grains of pollen into the air to fertilize other plants. When they enter your nose, your immune system can mistake the pollen for a danger and release antibodies that attack the allergens.

This often leads to the release of histamines into your blood, which can trigger allergy symptoms like runny nose, watery eyes, sneezing, coughing and itchy eyes and nose.

How to reduce your exposure to triggers

There are steps you can take to reduce your exposure to things that trigger your allergy symptoms, according to Mayo Clinic:

■ Stay inside on dry, windy days. The best time to go outside is after it rains, when pollen is cleared from the air.

■ Shower after spending time outside to rinse pollen from your skin and hair.

■ Wear a pollen mask if you decide to do chores outside.

■ Avoid outdoor activities in the early morning when pollen counts are highest.

■ Close your doors and windows at night or when pollen counts are high.

■ Start taking allergy medications before your symptoms appear.

How to keep air inside homes allergen-free

It’s impossible to eliminate all allergens from air in your home, Mayo Clinic says, but these methods can help reduce them:

■ Use high-efficiency filters in your air conditioning unit and follow regular maintenance schedules.

■ Keep indoor air dry with a dehumidifier.

■ Use a portable high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter in your bedroom.

■ Use a vacuum cleaner that has a HEPA air filter.

DREAMSTIME/TNS Spring allergies affect almost a third of Americans.