5 Tips for Managing Spring Allergies
After a long winter, who doesn't love a beautiful spring day? The warm air, the gentle breezes, fragrant flowers, buzzing bees and ... the sound of sneezing, sniffling and coughing.
Okay, nobody likes that last part, but there is relief if you suffer from seasonal allergies.
April and May are some of the worst months for allergies in primary care practices. And while many patients suffering from allergies need help in the form of prescription or over-the-counter allergy meds, there are other ways to reduce suffering. Try these simple steps, which you can include in your daily routine, to reduce your exposure to the things that make you crazy every spring.
Know what makes you sneeze.
Your primary care doctor can help arrange testing that can help you know what’s causing your sinuses to bloom. Once you know, you’ll be able to check which allergens are affecting your area on sites like Weather.com.
Close the windows.
You may be tempted to let the outside in during the beautiful days of spring -- and that's fine. Just check the pollen count before you do. On high-pollen days, keep your allergens at bay with closed windows and HEPA filters for your AC.
Leave your shoes at the door.
When you come inside from walking the dog or doing yard work, leave your shoes at the door. Wash your hands and face, and change out of your clothes. If you’ve been vigorously working in the yard like cutting grass, take a shower. These steps can reduce the amount of irritants that hitch a ride into your home.
Drink plenty of water and other liquids.
If allergies have you stopped up, drink more liquids. The extra liquid will help thin your mucus and give you some relief.
Go see your primary care doctor.
Most people just suffer with their allergies, but your PCP can help you, whether it's identifying the allergens that annoy you or developing a treatment plan, including medications, that can help you manage them. If you don't have a primary care doctor, come see consider joining an MDIVP-affiliated practice. Find a physician near you to begin your partnership in health »