Ten Ways to Ease Your Allergy Suffering This Spring

You may have heard that this year’s pollen count is very high. Mostly this is because a later spring has caused many plants, which normally bloom at different times over a period of weeks, to blossom at the same time. As a result, this also means suffering for those of us who have seasonal allergies including sneezing, itching, and coughing. However, according to The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology and Medical News Today, there are a few things you can do to gain some relief:

1. Stay indoors—especially during peak pollen times from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

2. Take your medicine—take over-the-counter antihistamines at least 30 minutes prior to going outside.

3. Do some spring cleaning—eliminate the mold and the dust that has accumulated over the course of the winter months.

4. Dry laundry indoors—while sheets dried outside might smell nice, your nose won’t be so appreciative since fabrics can collect pollen and bring them back inside.

5. Skip breezy open windows and doors—open windows and doors can bring the pollen inside. Also, don’t use fans that stir up pollen inside your home. Instead, rely on the air conditioner if you can’t bear the heat.

6. Sleep on allergen-free bedding—once a week, wash all bed linens in warm water.

7. Drive pollen-free—keep your car’s sunroof and windows up while driving. Similarly, don’t put the top down on your convertible.

8. Wear a mask—I know, it sounds a little goofy. But if you wear a mask when you mow the lawn, garden, or have to be outdoors during high-pollen times, it may save you some suffering.

9. Keep your pets off furniture—if your pets go outside, keep them off the furniture and bathe them frequently to eliminate pollen they might bring fro outside.

10. Forgo a morning shower—instead take a night bath or shower to rinse your hair and body of pollen that collected over the course of the day.

Hopefully these tips will make your allergies a little more bearable and as a result, your spring more enjoyable.