While the spring season brings beautiful flowers and warmer weather, it also signifies the return of allergies for many people! The main spring allergy trigger is pollen, which is released into the air from trees, grasses and weeds to fertilize other plants. When these tiny grains of pollen make their way into the nose of a person who is allergic, the body goes into defense mode with sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes and other symptoms. While there is no cure, here are the top 3 helpful things that you can do to relieve your spring allergies:
1. Take Over-the-Counter and Prescription Treatments
If you experiencing sneezing, watery eyes, coughing and similar symptoms during the spring months, you should see your doctor who may refer you to an allergist for tests. This specialist can determine if you are allergic to certain substances and prescribe medication to alleviate your symptoms. The preferred initial treatment is often steroid nasal sprays, which are available over the counter and help to ease inflammation. You can also try antihistamines, which reduce sneezing, sniffling, and itching by lowering the amount of histamine in your body. Decongestants can be helpful as well because they shrink the blood vessels in the nasal passageways to relieve congestion and swelling. Finally, if you are experiencing itchy and watery eyes, you can use eye drops for relief.
2. Take Advantage of Natural Remedies
There are also natural remedies that may be helpful for addressing your spring allergies. One of the most popular methods is nasal irrigation. This is where you combine warm water, a 1/4 teaspoon of salt and a 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda to remove mucus and open your sinus passages. Just remember to use water that is previously boiled, distilled or sterile when creating the solution. Another natural remedy is butterbur, which is an herb that comes from an European shrub. Some studies have shown that butterbur is just as effective at relieving spring allergies as antihistamines!
3. Make Some Changes Around Your Home
You can make some simple changes around your home to help reduce the amount of pollen that is causing your spring allergies. While it may be tempting to open your windows to enjoy the pleasant spring weather, you should keep your doors and windows closed. This will reduce the allergens in your house. You should also try to stay inside as much as possible when the pollen counts are very high. Since pollen counts often peak in the morning, this is a good time to remain indoors. If you have been thinking about doing some spring cleaning, vacuuming can help remove any pollen particles. Just remember to wear a mask because you can still kick up pollen, dust and mold that is trapped in your carpet while vacuuming. Lastly, clean the air filters in your home frequently and clean vents, bookshelves and other areas where pollen can collect.
Now that you are familiar with some of the helpful things you can do to relieve your spring allergies, we hope that you can enjoy the beauty of the spring season! At Mac’s Pharmacy, we are dedicated to improving your health and well-being. Learn more about how we can assist you with all of your pharmaceutical needs! We look forward to helping you!
