Spring is just around the corner, bringing sunny days and blooming flowers. While you’re adding spring cleaning, gardening and trips to the Albany County Farmers Market, you might want to consider one more item: managing your allergies.
If you find yourself battling sneezes, itchy eyes and congestion this time of year, you’re not alone. Hay fever affects between 10% and 30% of the population. While hay fever can be unpleasant, a few simple habits can make a world of difference in keeping allergy symptoms under control.
Lifestyle Tips to Manage Your Allergies
A few changes you can implement to manage allergies include:
- Protect yourself while gardening. Spring is a great time to refresh your outdoor space, but yard work can trigger frustrating symptoms for those with pollen allergies. If you love gardening, wear a protective face mask and wraparound sunglasses or goggles to reduce pollen exposure. You should also choose low-pollen plants for your garden, like daffodils, geraniums, dahlias and more.
- Keep pollen out of your home. To keep your home a sneeze-free zone, change into fresh clothes as soon as you get indoors, shower before bed to remove allergens from your skin and hair, keep windows closed on high-pollen days and use an air purifier with a HEPA filter.
- Stay alert to pollen levels. Knowing when pollen counts are high can help you plan your activities accordingly. Check The Weather Channel for daily updates on pollen levels.
Explore Allergy Treatment Options
If seasonal allergies interfere with your daily life, it may be time to consider professional treatment. Two effective options include:
- Over-the-counter relief. Antihistamines, decongestants and nasal sprays can provide temporary symptom relief.
- Immunotherapy. Allergy shots or sublingual tablets (SLIT) can help desensitize your immune system over time, offering long-term relief.
Enjoy Spring Without the Sneezes
Allergy season doesn’t have to mean months of discomfort. With a little preparation and smart habits, you can embrace the beauty of spring while keeping sneezes and sniffles at bay. If allergies are holding you back, contact Albany ENT & Allergy Services to find the best treatment plan for your needs.