How to Manage Seasonal Allergies: 10 Tips to Help You Feel Better

While warmer weather and sun is always a welcome sight in Northeast Ohio, April can be a challenging time for those who suffer from seasonal allergies. Let’s talk about ways to manage those allergies, and make the best of the next few months of great weather!

Seasonal allergies are a common problem that affects millions of people each year. They are caused by an overreaction of the immune system to certain allergens, such as pollen, dust mites, and mold. Symptoms of seasonal allergies can include sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, congestion, and fatigue.

There are a number of things you can do to manage seasonal allergies and relieve your symptoms. Here are 10 tips to help you feel better:

1. Avoid your allergens. This is the most important thing you can do to manage your allergies. If you know what your allergens are, try to avoid them as much as possible. For example, if you are allergic to pollen, stay indoors on windy days and avoid wooded areas. If you are allergic to dust mites, keep your bedroom clean and free of dust, and consider purchasing a dust cover for your matress or pillows.
2. Take medication. There are a number of over-the-counter and prescription medications that can help relieve the symptoms of seasonal allergies. Antihistamines are the most common type of medication used to treat allergies. They work by blocking the effects of histamine, a substance that is released in the body when you are exposed to an allergen. Second generation antihistamines like fexofenadine, loratadine, and cetirizine are commonly used by people with seasonal allergies, since they have less sedating side effects than first-generation antihistamines like diphenhydramine. Antihistamines aren’t a great option for everyone, though – including the elderly, those with high blood pressure, prostate issues, constipation, glaucoma or increased eye pressure. When in doubt, always ask your doctor if these medicines are safe for you. For even more consistent relief, nasal steroids like fluticasone and mometasone can help to reduce inflammation in the nasal passages. Keep in mind that nasal steroids can take up to 3-5 days to build up to their full effectiveness – the best time to start is just before allergy season!
3. Use a nasal rinse. A nasal rinse is a saline solution that you can use to flush out allergens and irritants from your nasal passages. Nasal rinses are available over-the-counter or can be made at home by combining distilled or sterile water with a salt solution. Avoid use of tap water for saline rinses unless it has been boiled for 3-5 minutes and allowed to cool, as it can contain dangerous microorganisms that can result in serious illness if not sterilized. Nasal rinses aren’t appropriate for everyone – check with your doctor first if you’re exploring this option for treatment.
4. Consider allergy shots. If your allergies are severe or do not respond to over-the-counter medications, you may need to see an allergist to consider allergy desensitization therapy. Dr. K can help facilitate getting you an appointment – or even start the testing process before having to go to a specialist.
5. Get enough sleep. When you are well-rested, your body is better able to fight off allergens, and illness in general. Most adults need 7-8 hours of sleep consistently for optimal health, though you may need more.
6. Eat a healthy diet. Eating a healthy diet can help to boost your immune system, improve your health in general, and make you less susceptible to allergies. While one old wife’s tale suggests that local, unprocessed honey is a cure for allergies, unfortunately, there isn’t much data to support this. A diet high in whole fruits, leafy green vegetables, and unprocessed foods and which limits processed foods, red meat, and alcohol, however, can be beneficial.
7. Exercise regularly. Exercise can help to improve your overall health and well-being, and it may also help to reduce allergy symptoms. Similar to eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly has a host of benefits to your overall health. The American College of Cardiology recommends 150-300 minutes a week of moderate-intensity, or 75-150 minutes a week of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity, or an equivalent combination of moderate- and vigorous-intensity aerobic activity, as a minimum for optimal health.
8. Manage stress. Stress can worsen allergy symptoms. Find healthy ways to manage stress, such as exercise, yoga, or meditation. If you’re struggling with stress reduction, seeing a therapist can help as well.
9. Keep your home clean. Vacuum and dust regularly to remove allergens from your home. Use a HEPA filter in your vacuum cleaner. Wash your bedding in hot water at least once a week, including your pillowcases, to reduce allergens.
10. Change your clothes and shower after being outdoors. This will help wash any allergens off your skin and hair. The steam from a hot shower or bath can also have the added benefit of loosening mucus and relieving congestion, as well.

By following these tips, you can manage your seasonal allergies and enjoy the outdoors all year long.

Here are some additional tips to help you manage your seasonal allergies:

• Check the pollen count. The pollen count is a measure of the amount of pollen in the air. You can check the pollen count online or in your local newspaper. If the pollen count is high, you may want to stay indoors or take extra precautions to avoid allergens.
• Wear sunglasses and a hat. This will help to protect your eyes from allergens.
• Use a humidifier. A humidifier can help to add moisture to the air, which can help to relieve allergy symptoms.
• Drink plenty of fluids. This will help to thin mucus and keep your nasal passages moist.
• Schedule an appointment if your symptoms are severe. If your symptoms are severe or do not improve with over-the-counter medications, Dr. K can offer additional treatment suggestions. Click here to schedule an appointment!