Surviving Spring Allergies

Use an air conditioner instead of window or attic fans to reduce allergens coming inside. Don’t use humidifiers or swamp coolers, because they can increase molds.

Change your clothes, and wash or shower away pollen after you come indoors. Wash allergens out of your nose with a saline nasal wash.

Wear a scarf or pollen mask on windy days to reduce the allergens you breathe in.

Tree pollen comes out in early spring. Late spring and early summer allergies are triggered by grasses. Weeds are the allergy culprit in late summer, and molds can cause problems year-round.

Avoid exposure to fertilizers and pesticides. Have someone else mow your lawn, and stay away from piles of leaves and branches, where molds hide.

Watch local pollen counts. Stay inside, and keep home doors and windows and car windows closed when pollen counts are high. Pollen levels are highest in the afternoons and evenings.

Consistently take doctor-recommended medicines and treatments so your allergies stay in check during your allergy season.