HealthyPlusno2Aug30pages (1) - Flipbook - Page 16
Seasonal Allergies
Beating the seasonal bummer
F
or many people, this time of year equals
allergy time. Most people think of spring and
fall as “allergy season.” But for many allergy
sufferers, common molds, grass pollens and dust
can trigger symptoms even on the most beautiful
of days.
“As we end up spending so much time outdoors
in the summer and fall enjoying barbecues, hiking,
camping, and gardening, we spend more time
exposing ourselves to allergens that can trigger
allergies,” explains Dr. Nicholas Wild of SVMC
Northshire Campus. “Often beginning in June
and ending in September, summer allergies are
most often caused by pollens from trees, grasses,
ragweed, and other perennial plants, as well as
mold. Because plants produce different levels of
pollen throughout the season and in response to
weather conditions, the intensity of symptoms can
also vary day-to-day or week-to-week. Plus, if you’re
allergic to multiple pollens or allergens, your
symptoms may be more severe. The good news is
there are steps you can take to keep allergies from
ruining your summer fun.”
Outdoor allergy prevention
While there’s no way to entirely avoid pollen and
other allergens during summer and fall, you can
limit their impact. For example:
• Track pollen levels in your area at pollen.com
and avoid spending time outdoors when levels
are high.
• During allergy season, pay attention to pollen
counts, which are frequently reported in the
news and/or weather reports, and try to stay
indoors when they’re high.
• When spending time outdoors when counts are
high, wear a face covering to prevent pollen
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from getting into your mouth, nose, and eyes,
especially when gardening or mowing the lawn
or gardening.
• Wash any clothes worn outdoors during high
pollen times and avoid line-drying during allergy
season.
• Make a habit of showering before bed to rinse
off pollen that collects on skin and hair during
the day.
• Shut doors and windows during allergy season
to prevent allergens from entering your home.
If you have air conditioning, depend on that
rather than natural air circulation to minimize
pollen exposure.
• When cleaning your house, use a damp cloth
and a vacuum cleaner with a high-efficiency
particulate air (HEPA) filter daily to minimize
allergens in the air.
• Consider investing in an air filter to trap
allergens in your home.
• Check the weather forecast and learn what types
of weather make your symptoms worse, and plan
accordingly.
• If you’re still struggling, speak to your healthcare
provider about using an over-the-counter
medication to help manage your symptoms. +