As we enter Spring, many of us are looking forward to exchanging our snow shovels for lawnmowers, running shoes, and gardening tools. However, as we get ready to head outdoors, millions of pollen and mold spores are already there, and they can trigger unpleasant or sometimes even debilitating symptoms for those who suffer from seasonal allergies and asthma.
Jo Ann Faber, of the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, states that an estimated 50 million Americans have some type of allergy. Seasonal allergies, also called allergic rhinitis or hay fever, are some of the most common, affecting 10 to 30 percent of the population. The condition is caused by an allergy to the pollen from trees, grasses, weeds or the spores of molds. Typical symptoms are sneezing, itchy and watery eyes, runny nose and a burning sensation on the palate or in the throat. Exposure to these allergens can also trigger asthma.
It is not possible to completely avoid exposure to these allergy-causing particles, but the following list will offers some suggestions to blunt the effects of seasonal allergies and make your time outdoors more comfortable:
Keep windows and doors closed during high-pollen seasons. Use air conditioning instead.
Change the filters in your home air conditioning or central unit once each month.
When in your car, keep the windows closed and use the airflow “recycle” option to keep outside air from entering as much as possible.
If you are planning on working outdoors or mowing your lawn, wear a facemask to prevent breathing the pollen and mold spores.
If you are outdoors for an extended period of time, shower when you come indoors.
Pollen levels are highest in the early-morning hours. Keep this in mind when planning your day.
Take the allergy medications prescribed by your healthcare provider.
Hopefully these tips will help you have an enjoyable spring free of allergy or asthma symptoms. However, if you are still having allergy problems, an allergist can help determine what your specific allergies are through a thorough history and testing and can make individualized recommendations for you for allergy avoidance or treatment. We are blessed to have many tools at our disposal to treat and even prevent the development of new allergies.
Allergy and Asthma Associates of the Bluegrass
Marshall Wise, MD is Board-Certified in Allergy/Immunology and practices at . He can be reached at (859) 277-9112. Allergy and Asthma Associates of the Bluegrass is located at 171 North Eagle Creek Dr.