The warmer days of spring are here and with the associated outdoor activities such as barbecues, festivals and sporting events comes a wave of allergies that can spoil a great day.
According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, more than 50 million Americans have experienced various types of allergies each year. An allergy is your body’s reaction when your immune system encounters a foreign substance, known as an allergen. An allergic reaction could be caused by something you eat, inhale into your lungs, inject into your body or touch. Seasonal allergies are the result of allergens released into the air during the spring blooming season, most notably from pollens.
Here are five tips for enjoying the season and avoiding those dreaded warm-weather allergies.
Know the pollen count. Track the pollen count with tools like those available at www.pollen.com and stay indoors in an air-conditioned environment when pollen counts are high.
Don’t damage your eyes. Protect your eyes from cornea damage by avoiding the tendency to rub or scratch them during allergic reactions. Soothing over-the-counter eye drops can help, and prescriptions eye drops are very effective in reducing itching.
An ounce of prevention. If you suffer from asthma, visit your allergist to learn about preventive medication that can help ease symptoms and help you enjoy your outdoor activities.
Know your treatments. Begin treatment with over the counter antihistamines and move onto over the counter topical nasal sprays, if necessary. If those do not work, check with your allergist for prescription medications.
Be prepared when hitting the road.Travel with decongestants and antihistamines so allergies don’t ruin your vacation fun.