We often associate spring with stunning trees and blooming buds, but if you have seasonal allergies, it can be one of the worst times of the year. During this period, you have to deal with a runny nose, sneezing, congestion, and other uncomfortable symptoms. Seasonal allergies, also called hay fever, can be debilitating in the spring. Fortunately, you can combine allergy testing duluth and the following five strategies to keep your symptoms at bay.
Keep Your Home Clean
Unfortunately, there is no available product designed to eliminate all the allergens in your home. But a simple yet reliable solution such as a humidifier, air filter, or vaporizer will get the job done. This will keep the air clean but also help add moisture to the hair to reduce irritation in your nose and make breathing easier. You can also make your seasonal allergy symptoms more manageable by using high-efficiency air filters and initiating regular maintenance procedures to help free your home from mold, dust, and other allergens.
Limit Your Exposure to Triggers
Another effective way of managing seasonal allergic reactions is avoiding exposure to allergens such as pollen and dust. If you are an indoors person, you should make sure your home windows remain closed during allergy season. If you spend most of your time outdoors, change your clothes and shower once you enter your home. It is also advisable that you avoid certain activities that may increase your exposure to allergy triggers, such as weed pulling, lawn mowing, and gardening.
Avoid Pollen
Seasonal allergy symptoms tend to worsen when there are a lot of allergens in the air. During this period, it is vital to take extra precautions, such as checking the pollen levels in your area through your radio station, internet, or print media. If high allergen levels are reported, start taking allergy medications early to help manage your allergic symptoms.
Irrigate Your Sinuses
As mentioned earlier, raised allergen levels in the air can make breathing difficult. To make breathing easier, rinse your nasal area with a saline solution to eliminate mucus and other allergens. This procedure has proven simple, affordable, and effective in relieving nasal congestion. These saline solutions are sold ready-made, or you can make one at home. Typically, you will require one liter of bottled water, one teaspoon of baking soda, and 1.5 teaspoons of canning salt.
Use OTC Medication
Lastly, there are certain over-the-counter medications, such as oral decongestants, nasal sprays, and antihistamines, that are very effective in managing seasonal allergy symptoms. These are best suited for short-term treatment. However, before taking any of these medications, consult your healthcare provider, who will determine which is ideal for relieving your allergy symptoms.
For mild allergies, simple treatment options such as OTC medications, keeping your home clean, and avoiding exposure to allergens can help manage the symptoms. However, for severe seasonal allergies, more complex treatment solutions may be required. An allergist can help you effectively treat your seasonal allergy symptoms. They may recommend certain treatment options, such as immunotherapy, which is an excellent solution for chronic seasonal allergies. Get started today and enjoy a life free from allergies in the spring.