The spring season brings warm weather and beautiful flowers. For some people, it also brings allergies. If you are allergic to pollen, you can experience itchy and watery eyes, a runny nose, and other unpleasant symptoms. However, if you make a few changes, you can manage these allergies a lot better. Here are five effective ways to deal with springtime allergies.
Limit Your Time Outside
When pollen counts are high, it is best to stay indoors as much as possible. If you are outdoors and breathe in the pollen grains, this can lead to sneezing and other allergy symptoms. If you do have to go outside, remember to wear sunglasses to prevent pollen from getting in your eyes.
Try Gargling Salt Water
Allergy season can make your throat quite sore and scratchy. You can make your throat feel better by gargling salt water. When your throat starts to feel sore, swish this solution in your mouth for a minute or so.
Take Caution When Doing Outdoor Chores
While it is best to avoid outdoor chores when pollen counts are high, sometimes the work must be done. If you have to do yard work, do not forget to wear a surgical mask, as this can reduce the amount of pollen particles that get into your lungs.
Take a Hot Shower
An easy way to get relief from your allergies is to take a hot shower. The steam can open up your nasal passages and break up some of the congestion.
Clean Your Pet's Fur
Pollen can get trapped in a pet's fur while they are outdoors, so it is important to clean their fur right away. If you have a pet, carefully wipe their fur with a damp washcloth before you let him back inside.
Eat Spicy Foods
If you love spicy foods, like hot peppers and curry, you are in luck. Spicy foods cause your nose to produce more mucus, which can relieve congestion. The next time you are feeling stuffed up, take a bite out of something spicy.
Springtime allergies do not have to make your life completely miserable. If you follow these helpful tips, you can manage your symptoms and feel a lot better. However, if your allergies are still driving you crazy, you should make an appointment to see an immunology doctor as soon as possible. He or she can prescribe you medication or give you an allergy shot.
Share10 August 2016
My name is Katie Langer. For a long time, I was bed ridden and I felt like I had no control over my life. I simply went along with what was instructed by my doctor and I didn't ask questions. It wasn't that my doctor wasn't willing to work with me, but I preferred to simply not think about the illness I was suffering from. I didn't realize that some of the symptoms I was suffering from were side effects of my medication and were not normal. After communicating more with my doctor, I was able to alleviate my symptoms. Since then, I've taken an interest in patient-doctor relationships and how to improve them.
