What’s the Secret to Surviving Spring Allergies? Make an Appointment Ask a Question Search Conditions Tree pollens are the biggest allergen in the spring. According to Carah Santos, MD, allergist for National Jewish Health for Kids, the secret to surviving spring allergies is avoidance. In a new video, she suggests ways to leave allergens outside and provides other allergy tips. Related Videos How is Drug Allergy Different Than Drug Intolerance? What You Need to Know About Dust Mite Allergy When Harmless Molds Cause Allergic Reactions What Is the Allergic March? What Are Pet Allergies and How Do You Live with Them? Annual Grass Walk Teaches National Jewish Health Allergy Fellows About Pollens What Are Pollen Allergies and How Can You Manage Them? What Are Hives and What Can You Do About Them? Insect Sting Allergies: What You Need to Know All You Need to Know About Allergies 6 Nasal Rinse Myths Busted Tips to Help Kids Cope with the Emotional Challenges of Eczema What is Eczema and How Is it Treated? Eczema and Bathing What Causes Eczema? Learn How to Use an EpiPen -- It Could Save a Life Wet Wraps Cut Need For Drugs In Kids With Eczema How To Avoid Nighttime Allergies and Sleep Better What is Oral Allergy Syndrome? Home Treatment for Insect Stings & Bites Transcript The biggest culprit of springtime allergies are tree pollens. Avoid bringing the outdoors inside. Stay inside when the tree pollen count is high, mid-morning through mid-afternoon. Keep your car windows closed. As well as your home. Take a shower, wash your hair and change clothes when coming in from the outdoors. Pollens can be trapped on your clothes and in your hair. Avoid using a ceiling fan. It will disturb the pollen that is resting on your floor. Use an air conditioner filter. Avoid hanging your clothes on a clothesline. Cats and dogs that enjoy the outdoors can bring in pollens trapped in their fur. Washing your pets once a week can remove pollens. There are several over-the-counter medications that alleviate allergy symptoms. Non-sedating antihistamines may help with itching, sneezing and nasal dripping. Nasal steroid sprays can also relieve symptoms. These medications can take several days or weeks to become effective. It is recommended to start medications a few weeks ahead of the pollen season. Avoid Bringing The Outdoors Inside To Alleviate Spring Allergy Symptoms Keep your car and home windows shut Change clothing, shower and wash hair upon arriving home Give your pets a bath once a week Want to use this on your website? Fill out the content usage request form and then copy this code: