How to Avoid Springtime Allergies this Season
Regardless of age, allergies can be difficult to manage. For those who have suffered through the onset of springtime with coughing, sneezing, watery eyes and itchy skin, you know all too well that when the pollen starts to kick up, life can quickly become miserable.
While experiencing allergies is simply a part of life for most seniors, you don’t have to forge ahead without relief.
As experts in senior care , we see how the changing of the seasons – no matter how beautiful in blooms – brings aches and pains of allergies to some of our clients and patients. In this blog we discuss ways you can avoid spring allergies and – if they already have you in a hazy state – how you can manage them moving forward.
Keep reading to learn more:
Are You Experiencing Spring Allergy Symptoms?
You experience hay fever when your immune system identifies an allergen in the air that is considered a threat. Your body responds to that substance, or allergen, by releasing histamines and other chemicals into your bloodstream.
The chemicals produce the symptoms you experience known as an allergic reaction. While common triggers of hay fever vary from season to season, trees are typically responsible for most of the springtime seasonal allergies you endure.
5 Ways to Avoid Spring Allergies
Avoiding your allergies altogether may not be possible but mitigating the affects you feel during springtime can be achieved by following a few key steps:
- Manage the Air You Breathe
While this may seem like an impossible task, taking steps to clean the air in your home is achievable. Spring is a good time for seasonal maintenance, like changing and cleaning air conditioning and furnace air filters. Additionally, air purifiers and regular vacuuming can minimize the pollen count inside your home. - Add Indoor Plants to Your Home Décor
There are a number of indoor plant options that can naturally purify your home. Snake plants, bamboo palms, ficus (weeping fig) trees and peace lilies have been shown to naturally provide air-purifying qualities. These plants work to clean away indoor air pollutants, which could help lessen respiratory tract irritation and fewer allergy reactions in general. - Boost Your Anti-Inflammatory Food Options
By eating foods known to fight inflammation, you can proactively decrease some of the allergy symptoms you typically experience during spring. Some of the more popular options include ginger, leafy greens, walnuts, apples, flax seed and anything high in Vitamin C. - Good Hygiene at Night is Key
It’s important to shower each night to remove any irritants since pollen is known to stick to your clothes, skin, and hair. It’s also important to remove and wash any clothing that was exposed to pollen. This will help you sleep better at night and ensure the pollen doesn’t have a chance to enter your home. - Check the Pollen Count
During peak allergy season, it’s important to keep your eye on the pollen counts and plan outdoor activities accordingly. Pollens tend to surge on dry, windy days and drop on rainy days.
Also, according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology , springtime tree and grass pollens are at their highest levels in the evening.
How to Deal with Allergies
If you find yourself dealing with a serious case of springtime allergies, consider talking with your doctor about the following allergy relief routes:
- Saline Rinse
Rinsing your nasal passages with a saline solution is a quick, inexpensive and effective way to relieve nasal congestion. Rinsing directly flushes out mucus and allergens from your nose. - Allergy Shots
Allergy shots act like a vaccine, triggering your body’s immune response to fight allergies naturally. They are a method of long-term treatment that help decrease symptoms for patients with severe allergies. - Antihistamine
This type of medicine suppresses your body’s natural histamine levels. Some options can cause feelings of sleepiness, so consulting with your health care provider is essential before taking an antihistamine.
Your health care provider may also be able to offer additional allergy relief options that may align better with your personal health and avoid any unforeseen complications.
Ethos Home Care Provides Personalized Services to Enrich Your Everyday
At Ethos Care , the health of our clients is our primary concern. As we enter into springtime, we’re helping every senior we serve to manage their individual needs and working with them to establish beneficial habits and proactive health management.
If you’re considering home care , or think you might in the future, we’re here to answer all your questions. Contact us to learn more about our home care near you.
