Springtime: A Season of Blooming Beauty and Allergy Woes
There’s nothing like the first warm days of the year – the snow is gone, birds are chirping, and flowers are blooming. Everyone looks forward to spring after a long cold winter. As much as we all love the fresh vegetation and vibrant colors – all the pollen in the air wreaks havoc on our systems.
According to Pfizer the manufacturers of Zyrtec, March through July are generally the worst months for pollen. If you don’t follow the best allergy tips and tricks, you may be in for a rough spring season.
But how common are seasonal allergies?
Approximately 81 million people in the United States have seasonal allergies – also referred to as “hay fever”.
The good news is allergies are very treatable. The key is to arm yourself with the proper knowledge and take allergy prevention measures to minimize the risk. In this post, we’re going to explain how to do it – so you can enjoy the springtime without running for the tissues every other minute.
The Telltale Symptoms of Allergies in the Spring
Springtime allergies affect everyone differently.
Symptoms occur as the body’s immune system overreacts to stimulants in the air (allergens) such as pollen or mold spores. The immune system treats the allergen as an intruder and releases chemicals to combat the threat.
The symptoms you experience are the effects of your body fighting off the allergens.
Some of the most common symptoms of allergies include (but are not limited to):
- Runny nose
- Stuffy nose
- Excessive sneezing
- Headache
- Itchy eyes, nose, and throat
- Watery eyes
- Coughing
- Post nasal drip
When people breathe in allergens (like pollen), the particles get trapped in the nasal passages, which triggers the immune system response.
The Culprits Behind Springtime Allergies
The main culprits behind springtime allergies are the pollens released by trees, grass, flowers, and weeds. When the new vegetation blooms in the spring, pollen is released into the air and triggers an allergic reaction in certain people.
Mold spores are also common in some damp and humid environments brought on by the springtime weather.
More than half of adults with asthma – and 80% of children with asthma – experience allergic reactions to pollen and mold spores. These people are exceptionally vulnerable when springtime allergies strike – and it’s essential to take proper measures to combat allergies and reduce the chances of an asthma attack.
7 TIPS To Keep Those Springtime Allergies at Bay
Allergy prevention comes down to education and quick action. There are many different things you can do to keep those nasty allergies at bay. Some of the most effective allergy tips include:
1) KEEP WINDOWS AND DOORS CLOSED
This is to prevent allergens from entering the home. Pollen is released throughout the day from trees, grass, and other plants. These particles can easily enter your home through open windows (even if the screens are in) and doorways. Days with high winds intensify the spread of these allergens.
Once pollen enters your home, your risk of developing symptoms of allergies will be very high.
2) USE AIR CONDITIONING AND AIR FILTERS
Truth be told, it’s nearly impossible to avoid allergens entering your home – unless you stay completely sealed in.
But who wants to miss out on the beautiful spring weather?
Using air conditioning and filtering does a lot to improve indoor air quality and eliminate allergens from the air in your home.
3) KEEP UP WITH PERSONAL HYGIENE
This is one of the more obvious allergy tips. When you go outside, your clothes and body trap allergens almost everywhere you go. Be extra vigilant about washing clothes and showering after being outdoors to remove allergens from skin and hair.
4) STAY INSIDE DURING PEAK POLLEN HOURS
As much as we hate to tell you to stay inside on a gorgeous day, sometimes pollen counts reach extreme levels in the springtime. Check the pollen counts throughout the day. If they are high, it’s never a bad idea to avoid outdoor activities for the time being.
The good news is you’ll only have to sit inside for a few hours at most – typically in the morning and early evening.
5) USE OVER-THE-COUNTER MEDICINE
Consistently taking over-the-counter allergy medicine during allergy season is one of the best ways to prevent an allergy attack.
Allergy medicine (e.g., antihistamines or nasal corticosteroids) can take a few days to build up in your system and fend off the bad symptoms. Therefore, keep an eye on the pollen counts in your area and start using over-the-counter antihistamines when the levels are high. If you can start using medicine before you feel symptoms of allergies, your spring season may be much easier.
Medications like decongestants can help relieve congestive symptoms if an attack has already occurred. Always check with your pharmacist if you can use over-the-counter decongestants if you are on prescription medications or have a heart condition.
6) PRACTICE GOOD NASAL HYGIENE
Pollen gets trapped in your nose and airways – and may lead to an allergic reaction. One of the best allergy tips to reduce flare-ups is rinsing your nasal passages and keeping them clear. Try nasal saline rinses or vapor inhalers.
For starters, you can usually get a squeeze bottle with pre-formulated saline packets for under $30. You may consider doing a nasal rinse between one and three times per day during the high allergy season.
If you’ve never done a nasal rinse before, it can be intimidating. Trust us, it gets easier after a few times.
Some of the more expensive nasal rinse kits can cost upwards of $100.
7) TRY ALLERGY PREVENTION SHOTS
For some people, allergy shots (allergen immunotherapy) can be a good option. These shots are administered over a timeframe of three to five years – and are generally for those who suffer from extreme symptoms of allergies.
Talk to your doctor to see if this option is right for you.
Klingensmith’s Drug Stores has your back
It’s never too early to start preparing for allergy season. Pollen counts are only on the rise as we navigate the springtime into the summer. Fortunately, Klingensmith has you covered with the allergy prevention medicine you need.
We have a range of over-the-counter allergy medications, including Allegra, Claritin, Zyrtec, and more.
If you wish to purchase a Quality Choice brand at Klingensmith’s, you get a 100% satisfaction guarantee
Not sure what the best solution is for springtime allergies?
Talk to one of our knowledgeable pharmacists. We are more than happy to provide guidance and recommendation for managing those tough symptoms during the allergy season.
Most symptoms of allergies can be controlled with over-the-counter medicine – combined with proper selection based on age and other health conditions. No matter what springtime allergies mean to you, we’ll guide you toward the right therapy option.
Allergy Season Doesn’t Have to Be a Nightmare
Sneezing, congestion, and carrying around a box of tissues doesn’t have to be your springtime reality. Spring is a time of new beginnings and embracing the beautiful weather after a long winter – you shouldn’t have to spend the beautiful days hiding inside from pollen and other allergens.
At Klingensmith’s, we’ve got everything you need to keep those pesky allergies at bay and enjoy the warm weather properly. Regardless of your symptoms, our staff is here to answer your questions, concerns, and point you in the right direction.
Head on down to your nearest Klingensmith’s location and get ahead of the allergy season today!
